Oilers insider reports on replacement for Zach Hyman in Game 5 lineup

Hyman will undergo surgery for a broken wrist, and will miss the rest of the NHL playoffs. It's a brutal loss, but the Oilers have plenty of depth options to call on.

The Edmonton Oilers will need to dress another skater to replace the loss of Zach Hyman, but it may be an existing player who steps into his top-six role for the time being.

Bob Stauffer believes Evander Kane will be elevated to the top line, especially after his minutes were increased in the third period last night.

Additionally, the Oilers finally expect to see Mattias Ekholm return to the lineup in Game 5. The Oilers have been heavily rumoured to be interesting in playing 11 forwards and 7 defence when he returns.

According to Jason Gregor, the two lost forwards may cause the Oilers to instead dress Jeff Skinner as an offensive option in the top six. Whatever they run with forwards, Ekholm's return is coming at a much-needed time after losing Hyman.

Aside from Jeff Skinner, the Oilers also have the options of Noah Philp, Max Jones, Matthew Savoie and other less likely Black Aces as options. If Ekholm returns and the Oilers add a forward, Troy Stecher will likely be scratched.

Losing Zach Hyman is a terrible blow to the Oilers, but their depth has been a strength of this team all playoffs. There's more than capable players able to step into the lineup, and the Oilers should be able to survive Hyman's absence. They only need 5 more wins.

Right on the edge of another Stanley Cup Final, hopefully the team can rally around a lost warrior in Zach Hyman, and all take a lesson from his game in the final stretch of playoff hockey.