Sports

Oilers’ $38.5M forward rivals Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon in scoring

Published

3 hours ago

28 March 2026

NewsAdmin

Zach Hyman is quietly delivering one of the most efficient scoring seasons in the NHL, placing himself alongside elite names like Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon. The Edmonton Oilers forward, signed to a $38.5 million deal, has scored 30 goals in just 54 games this season.

Speaking on Edmonton Sports Talk, analyst Greg Wyshynski highlighted Hyman’s impact.

Wyshynski pointed out that Hyman ranks fifth in goals per game, trailing only MacKinnon (48 goals), McDavid (41 goals), Nikita Kucherov (40 goals), and Cole Caufield (44 goals). That places him among the league’s most dangerous scorers despite fewer games played.

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“Speaking of goals, Zach Hyman,” Wyshynski said. “Zach Hyman’s got thirty goals in fifty-four games. Zach Hyman has the fifth highest goals per game average in the league behind MacKinnon, McDavid, Kucherov, and Caufield. Like, that’s insane.

“I mean, we know why he gets those goals, right? But, like to have scored as many as he has in such limited time, I think I gotta give Zach his flowers ’cause I don’t think people, again, really appreciate the insane goal-scoring season that he’s had.”

Hyman helped the Oilers win against Vegas

Hyman’s latest performance backed that claim. He scored in a 4-3 overtime win against the Vegas Golden Knights, showing his ability to create chances on his own. The winger forced a turnover, turned quickly, and finished the play unassisted. That goal pushed him to the 30-goal mark for the third time in four seasons.

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Hyman’s scoring rise in recent years has been steady. He recorded 54 goals in the 2023-24 season and followed with 27 last year, a slight drop. Now, he has returned to elite form, producing 48 points with strong physical play and consistency. His ability to find space near the net continues to make him a reliable player in Edmonton’s attack.

The Oilers rely heavily on offense, averaging 3.48 goals per game this season. McDavid leads the league with 121 points, but Hyman’s finishing gives the team another edge. Their top-ranked power play also benefits from his presence around the crease.

While Edmonton still faces defensive issues, Hyman’s output has helped keep them in the playoff race. His scoring pace now puts him in rare company, proving his value goes beyond secondary support.