NHL insider Jason Gregor clarified some misconceptions and revealed that the absolute earliest date Zach Hyman can return to the Oilers is November 1st. The Edmonton Oilers recently placed Zach Hyman on <a href='https://www.hockeylatest.com/nhl-team/edmonton-oilers/zach-hyman-to-ltir-oilers-recall-one-leave-another-behind' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>long-term injured reserve to start the season</a>, sidelining one of their most dangerous scoring threats. Hyman has been recuperating from a dislocated wrist he incurred late in May during the Western Conference Final against Dallas. The injury kept him out of the Stanley Cup Final, which Edmonton lost to the Florida Panthers for a second year in a row. While he has more recently been involved in parts of training camp, it became apparent that he was not yet game-ready. The 33-year-old winger had 27 goals and 17 assists last season in 73 games, playing mostly top-line minutes alongside captain Connor McDavid. He had added 11 points in 15 playoff games before the injury and is one of Edmonton's most consistent two-way forwards. His career-best 54 goals two seasons ago stand as one of the best in Oilers history. <h3>Zach Hyman is Completely Ineligible to Return at all During the Month of October</h3> There were a few early rumblings that Hyman might be back in action before November, but NHL insider Jason Gregor put the brakes on that one. I've seen some suggesting Hyman could be available before November. That is incorrect. He's on LTIR which means he has to miss 10 games AND 24 days. First game he could return is November 1st. He'll miss at least 12 games before then. - Jason Gregor <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/JasonGregor/status/1976329326644838476'><div style='border:1px solid #CCCCCC;border-radius:10px;padding:20px;width:300px;'>Loading from Twitter ...</div></a></blockquote></div> Since Hyman was placed on long-term injured reserve, league regulations dictate that he must sit out a minimum of 10 games and 24 days. The earliest that he can be activated is November 1, so he'll be out for at least 12 games. <a href='https://www.hockeylatest.com/nhl/news/stuart-skinner-costly-late-game-moment-leaves-oilers-stunned-vs-flames' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>Edmonton lost its season opener 4-3 in a shootout to the Calgary Flames</a> after surrendering a three-goal advantage, a testament to how much his absence is already being felt. His eventual return will be a massive boost to the Oilers' top six and penalty kill and give them a much-needed shot in the arm as they attempt to stay afloat in a competitive Western Conference.