The return of Zach Hyman to the Oilers lineup is imminent, as NHL insider Jason Gregor revealed he could be back as soon as Thursday, but guaranteed by Saturday. Zach Hyman, who is suffering from a wrist injury, won't play in Philadelphia on Wednesday but <a href='https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/hockey/news/oilers-zach-hyman-making-season-debut-this-week/' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>will make his 2025-26 debut either in Columbus on Thursday or by Saturday in Raleigh</a> at the absolute latest, Jason Gregor reports Tuesday. <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/JasonGregor/status/1988287978851233982'><div style='border:1px solid #CCCCCC;border-radius:10px;padding:20px;width:300px;'>Loading from Twitter ...</div></a></blockquote></div> <a href='https://www.hockeylatest.com/nhl-team/edmonton-oilers/nhl-insider-reveals-exact-timeline-for-zach-hyman-return-to-oilers' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>Hyman is a possibility for Thursday's game</a>, but the right-shot winger will definitely be available Saturday against Carolina, not any later than that. <h3>What Zach Hyman's return date is dependent on</h3> The team would like for Hyman to be ready by Thursday, but that will depend on final tests that are currently ongoing, per Gregor. The 33-year-old could be eased into action in the early going, but he'll certainly fill a key role this season for a struggling Oilers club that is 7-6-4 to this point, as they look to finally get their season back on track. On Sunday, NHL insider Ryan Rishaug reported that Hyman was more active in practice, shooting, and participating in all drills, which was the initial sign that he would be back very shortly. <h3>Why Zach Hyman is so important for the Oilers</h3> The 33-year-old winger has been a key piece for the Oilers since joining them from the Toronto Maple Leafs and subsequently signing a seven-year, $38.5 million contract with a $5.5 million cap hit per season. Hyman has proven his worth, as during the 2024-25 campaign, he posted 27 goals and 44 points in 73 games, followed by 11 more points in the Stanley Cup playoffs.