Update timeline for Zach Hyman's return from injury revealed

Originally targeted for a November 1st return, coach Knoblauch has since said Hyman will require another week before he can play. Nevertheless, both player and coach are excited to have Zach back.

During a team practice on October 29 at Rogers Place, Hyman said he 'feels good', and is 'ready to go'. Kris Knoblauch also said, 'he looks ready to go', and 'wants to put him in'.

Of course, the likely spot for Hyman when he returns is on a line with Connor McDavid, providing he's ready to play at that level. The risk of a premature debut is that he will disrupt what chemistry the team has already built-up, something which the coach has struggled to find much of in the early going.

To minimize this, and help Hyman manage his injury, Knoblauch could chose to play his gritty forward every second game, or on a game-by-game basis. The most important factor is to have Zach playing at max-capacity going into the post-season.

Of course, the benefit of having Hyman in the lineup, whenever he plays, is his aggressive style and physicality in the corners and net-front presence.

The risk is the trickle-down effect. Already, coach Knoblauch has used an excessive amount of line combinations to find team chemistry. Adding another player exacerbates the search for a cohesive dynamic and team identity.

There are clearly a number advantages from having Zach Hyman back in the lineup, and an equal amount of risks. The true tell will be how the bench boss handles his line November 8 versus the Avalanche, which is when Hyman is expected to make his season debut by most accounts.

Players like Noah Philip and David Tomasek, who of late have played better and are making a case to stay in the lineup, will undoubtedly be affected with Hyman back.

We won't know the net affect until Hyman hits the ice; but smart money says he is just what the Oilers need to continue moving in the right direction, with the team the Oilers had envisioned taking them to the Finals with Zach right next to Connor.