The Edmonton Oilers have had their fair share of injuries to start the season. The team currently has three regulars listed on injured reserve.
According to Daily Faceoff, forward Zach Hyman, defenseman Jake Walman, and depth center Mattias Janmark are all on the shelf with various ailments.
The most notable absence is Hyman. Hyman is a former 50-goal scorer and has ridden shotgun with Connor McDavid since arriving in Edmonton. Hyman is currently on Long-term injured reserve, but could be back at some point in early November.
The #Oilers have placed forward Zach Hyman on long-term injured reserve (LTIR) & recalled forward David Tomasek from the @Condors. pic.twitter.com/Mp8oEIVAbI
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) October 7, 2025
Fans may recall that Hyman sustained a nasty wrist injury during the playoffs last spring. He required surgery and has been rehabbing ever since.
As for Janmark, he sustained an undisclosed injury and has not played for the Oilers since the preseason. While Janmark is slated to return before Hyman, there’s a catch. Janmark doesn’t seem like he can crack the lineup, given how Matthew Savoie has played. The addition of Jack Roslovic has further pushed Janmark down the depth chart.
David Tomasek and Isaac Howard have played well enough to warrant more ice time. So, Janmark looks to be squeezed out of the lineup. He may still play at some point this season. Given the possibility of injuries moving forward, it may not be sayonara for Janmark, after all.
Walman nearing return to Oilers’ blue line
Jake Walman could be the first to return to the Oilers lineup. He could hit the ice on the weekend. However, coach Kris Knoblauch has ruled out the blueliner against the Islanders on Thursday night. The Oilers managed very well without him against the New York Rangers on Tuesday night.
Kris Knoblauch confirms Jake Walman won’t play tomorrow vs. the Islanders. Remains hopeful that he could return this weekend. #Oilers
— Paige Martin (@paigymartin) October 15, 2025
However, getting back Walman will be a huge boost for the club as they look to continue racking up points in the standings. The Oilers will play back-to-back games on Saturday and Sunday. The club faces the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on Saturday, and then the Detroit Red Wings at the Little Caesars Arena on Sunday.
So, there could be an opportunity for Walman to return in one of those two games. Ideally, he could suit up for both.
Walman’s return could push Ty Emberson out of the lineup. He and Troy Stecher may ride the bench. It could also mean 25-year-old Alec Regula returns to Bakersfield in a corresponding move.
Theoretically, the Oilers could keep Regular on the main team, though it might not make sense to keep Regular riding the press box. He could benefit from regular playing time in the AHL after missing all of last season with injury.
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