The Edmonton Oilers are looking to return to the top of the Western Conference and get over the Stanley Cup hump.
Edmonton reached the Stanley Cup Final in both 2024 and 2025 but were inconsistent last season. The team finished second in the Pacific Division with a 41-30-11 record but were eliminated by the Anaheim Ducks in six games during the opening round.
Their first-round exit led to some major changes on the team, highlighted by the firing of head coach Kris Knoblauch, who coached the team to both Stanley Cup appearances.
“First of all, Kris Knoblauch was a great coach who took us to two Stanley Cup Finals,” Hyman told TSN’s First Up on Monday. “I thought we could be way better [last season] but it was a very up-and-down year where we could never find our footing. I think throughout the whole year, it took us until almost February or March to win three games in a row.
“Having said that, we still believed that we were a good team that could get hot and win because we’ve been there before.”
To replace Knoblauch, the Oilers handed the reins to the legendary, but controversial, head coach Mike Babcock. Babcock was last hired as a head coach by the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2023 but resigned prior to the season after a report from the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast indicated he asked players to share personal photos from their mobile devices.
The NHL and NHLPA conducted investigations of Babcock and he was cleared in June. After extensive interviews with Oilers management and the leadership group within the team’s dressing room, the Oilers decided to hire Babcock.
“I think it was really important that the NHL and NHLPA did the process that they needed to,” said Hyman. “Obviously, as players, we talk to other players, and you get a sense of things around the league. As players, we were all comfortable with Babs and what he brings.
“I think it’s something that’s really good for our group and he’s somebody that we need and can take us to the next level.
Despite the controversy, Babcock has had an illustrious career behind the bench, going 700-418-164 with 19 ties in his 17-season NHL career split between the Anaheim Ducks, Detroit Red Wings, and Toronto Maple Leafs.
He is the only coach who is a member of the Triple Gold Club, winning a Stanley Cup with the Red Wings in 2008, two Olympic gold medals with Canada in 2010 and 2014, and a World Hockey Championship in 2004.
Hyman played for Babcock in the first five seasons of his career when both were members of the Maple Leafs. Hyman had 51 goals and 117 points in 255 games under Babcock, and the Maple Leafs made the playoffs in each of his five seasons.
The Toronto native had nothing but good things to say about his former and now current head coach, and credits him as someone who helped him adjust his game in the league.
“As a player, you don’t really have too much to say on the coaching stuff, but because I played for Babs before they asked me about my experience,” said Hyman. “I had a great experience with him, and he was phenomenal to me as a young player. On those early teams with him [in Toronto], we had upwards of 10 rookies at the time, and we made the playoffs against the Washington Capitals where we really made noise.
“I think having him as a coach with his ability to teach makes him an unbelievable coach. Bringing in [assistant coach] D.J. Smith as well really helps cement our coaching staff as one of the best in the league.”
Another big move the Oilers made in the off-season was trading away long-time defenceman Darnell Nurse to the San Jose Sharks. Nurse played his entire eight-season career in Edmonton, recording 88 goals and 324 points in 798 games.
He was a core piece of the defence corps during both of the team’s run to the Stanley Cup Final but requested a trade this off-season after wanting a fresh start.
Hyman, who is good friends with Nurse, had a similar experience when he left the Maple Leafs to join the Oilers as an unrestricted free agent in 2021. He is sad to see his friend leave but is also excited for the opportunity he’ll have with the Sharks.
“Those are always hard,” said Hyman. “There’s a lot of turnover in hockey, but it’s part of the nature of the sport. It’s a lot harder when it’s someone who’s been here for a long time and has only played for one team.
“I had that type of experience when I left Toronto, and I know how hard it can be to have to change your life, move your family, and go somewhere new. At the same time, I think it’s a good opportunity for him. It was a great opportunity for me when I moved to Edmonton, and my career took off.
“For him, he has an unbelievable opportunity to play with a young team in San Jose that are super lucky to have a guy like that in their room. He’s a leader, a great teammate, a great person, and a great friend. I’m sad to see him go, but I’m excited for him and his opportunity”
While last season’s first-round exit wasn’t ideal for the Oilers, the silver lining of the result allowed the team to have a longer off-season and focus on getting their bodies ready for the 2026-27 campaign.
Prior to last season, Hyman was coming off a major wrist injury that sidelined him for the first 19 games of the season. He is thankful to have the time to rest and recuperate this year, despite the fact that he preferred to play into June in the Stanley Cup Final.
“It’s the bittersweet thing of ending the season early,” said Hyman. “You always want to end your season by winning the Stanley Cup, especially after going to back-to-back finals and having the big injury last summer.
“This year was a little bit of a letdown for our group. The upside is that we had time to recover and get better. Everyone is feeling healthy, feeling good, and I just had time to focus on my body.”
