Oilers Week Ahead: Schedule & Storylines – Hyman Sidelined, Bouchard Milestone and More – The Hockey Writers – Edmonton Oilers

Here is a look at the key storylines surrounding the Edmonton Oilers right now along with their upcoming schedule for the week of April 5-12, 2026.

Zach Hyman Sidelined for the Road Trip

The biggest immediate news is that Zach Hyman will not be traveling with the team for their upcoming three-game road trip due to an undisclosed injury. Hyman missed Saturday’s 5-1 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights.

Head coach Kris Knoblauch noted that Hyman (who has 31 goals and 20 assists in 57 games) could return for the final home games of the regular season against the Colorado Avalanche on April 13 or Vancouver Canucks on April 16.

A Dogfight for the Pacific Division Crown

Following Saturday’s loss to Vegas, the playoff race has tightened significantly. The Oilers are currently tied with the Anaheim Ducks for first place in the Pacific Division with 87 points. However, the Golden Knights are now breathing right down their necks, sitting just one point behind in third place.

Evan Bouchard’s Chase for 90 Points

Defenceman Evan Bouchard is having a phenomenal season and is closing in on a historic milestone. He currently leads all NHL defencemen with 88 points and is riding a hot streak (10 points in his last seven games). Fans will be watching closely this week to see if he can hit the 90-point mark, a feat only achieved by 12 defencemen in NHL history.

Oilers Upcoming Schedule

The Oilers are heading out on their final road trip of the regular season. This three-game stretch will be absolutely crucial for securing the top seed in the Pacific Division, especially without Hyman in the lineup. They are heading down through Utah and California, featuring a back-to-back against the Utah Mammoth and the San Jose Sharks before wrapping up the week with an afternoon game against the Los Angeles Kings.

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