In July 2021, when Zach Hyman signed a seven-year, $38.5 million contract with the Edmonton Oilers, many Toronto Maple Leafs fans called it one of the worst deals in NHL history. Now, Hyman is proving to be the best free agent the Oilers have ever signed, even better than Craig McTavish, Charlie Huddy and Randy Gregg.

On March 26, 2026, in the Oilers' 4-3 overtime victory over the Vegas Golden Knights, Hyman scored his 30th goal of the season. This is the third time the forward has notched 30 goals in Edmonton.

That says it all.

With the exception of Hyman, the Oilers' recent record for signing free agents hasn't exactly been stellar. When Oilers CEO and president of hockey operations Jeff Jackson signed free agents Viktor Arvidsson and Jeff Skinner on July 1, 2024, it paved the way for the double offer sheet of Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway to the St. Louis Blues.

Even this season, Oilers general manager Stan Bowman's signing of Andrew Mangiapane in July 2025 did not move the organization forward. Hyman has, without a doubt, been the best example of a free agent signing that made a huge difference for the Oilers.

Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and Evan Bouchard are all superstars in their own right. However, the Oilers are not the same team without Hyman. When he injured his wrist in Game 4 of the 2025 Western Conference Final against the Dallas Stars, his absence was noticeable.

You have to wonder if he had been available for the Stanley Cup Final matchup against the Florida Panthers, would the Oilers have won a championship? His presence is that important to the team.

This season, Hyman has been one of the hottest scorers in the NHL since his return from injury in November, with 31 goals in 55 games and a plus/minus rating of plus 12.

Hyman was somehow overlooked by Team Canada general manager Doug Armstrong, who went in another direction. It’s too bad. With Hyman on Canada’s roster, maybe the outcome would have been different. Hyman’s ability to score on the power play could’ve made a difference as Team Canada struggled when they had the man advantage in the tournament.

Oilers fans have loved Hyman since he arrived ahead of the 2021-22 NHL season. His dedication to rolling up his sleeves, working hard and his toughness around the net have made him a fan favourite.

Off the ice, he’s a dedicated family man who has written children’s books and his recent interaction with a young hockey reporter went viral for all the right reasons.

The Oilers only have Hyman under contract for two more seasons. He’s 33 now, and will be 35 when his deal expires. Given his play style, we have to wonder when his body will slow down, but with his commitment to fitness and good health, he could be productive for at least three or four more seasons.

The Oilers are second in the Pacific Division with 83 points, four points ahead of the Vegas Golden Knights and seven points ahead of the LA Kings, who are on the outside looking in with two games in hand.

With eight games left in the regular season, Hyman and the Oilers will be scratching and clawing for every point, but he’s already proven to be worth every penny of his contract in his time in Edmonton and is one of the best free-agent signings in team history.