Hyman A Good Option For Team Canada

Zach Hyman missed the first month of the season recovering from a wrist injury. He suffered the injury during the Western Conference Final last May. Hyman took a few weeks to get back up to speed, but since December 1st, he’s played very well. He’s been one of the most productive Canadian forwards in the NHL. The Edmonton Oilers know that Hyman deserves a shot with Team Canada.

After a rare slow start to the season, Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brayden Point was playing like an Olympian the past month with eight goals and 11 assists for 19 points in 15 games. He was looking like the player whom Team Canada listed as one of their original six players for the 2026 Olympic team.

In the three previous seasons, Point led all Canadian players in goals with 139. He was fifth in points with 267. Point can be a difference maker, and he’s proven that many times in his career. However, a knee injury in the second period of Monday’s game against the Philadelphia Flyers has put his Olympic availability in question.

Hyman Makes Sense As A Point Replacement

The Olympics are a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many athletes. Point made the team and deserves to go. His head coach, Jon Cooper, gave an update on his status yesterday, saying the worst-case scenario was avoided, but Point is week to week. Now, week to week is rarely only two or three weeks. Those who know Point know that he will do everything in his power to try to be healthy enough to represent Team Canada at the Olympics.

However, if Point can’t go, Team Canada must discuss other options. Zach Hyman’s recent play should have him in the discussion to replace Point. Hyman is fifth in points with 27, and he is third in goals with 16. The top four scorers, Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, Macklin Celebrini, and Mark Stone, are already on the team. Hyman will likely be joined by Sam Bennett, Mark Schiefele, Wyatt Johnston, Travis Konecny, and Seth Jarvis as options for Team Canada to consider as a replacement for Point.