Oilers’ Ryder Claims Zach Hyman Snubbed from Canada’s Olympic Hockey Team
Recent discussions have erupted over the exclusion of Edmonton Oilers forward Zach Hyman from Canada’s Olympic hockey roster for the 2026 Winter Games. Ryder from The Sauce podcast expressed his disappointment and emphasized why Hyman was a strong candidate for the team.
Zach Hyman: An Olympic Snub
Ryder highlighted Hyman’s unique skills that make him a valuable player for international competition. “Hyman has figured out where to be. He kills penalties and excels on the power play. You can trust him to deliver eight to ten hits a game without taking undue penalties,” he stated during the SportsCage. Ryder cannot understand why Hyman was not a certain choice for Team Canada.
Comparison with Past Selections
The podcast host compared Hyman’s situation to past Olympic selections, specifically mentioning Chris Kunitz being selected for the 2010 team due to his synergy with Sidney Crosby. Ryder believed that the same logic should apply to Hyman alongside Connor McDavid in the Four Nations Face-Off.
“Finding someone who connects with McDavid is tough,” Ryder noted. “He’s often thinking several steps ahead of the game.” Although there have been attempts to pair different players with McDavid in Edmonton, Ryder pointed out that Mitch Marner performed well alongside him during the Four Nations tournament.
Hyman’s Performance Statistics
As of the 2025-2026 NHL season, Hyman has played in 36 games, scoring 22 goals and recording 14 assists. His journey began with the Toronto Maple Leafs, who acquired his draft rights from the Florida Panthers in 2015, trading Greg McKegg and a seventh-round pick for him. Hyman remained with Toronto until 2021 when he joined the Oilers in free agency.
Team Canada Selection Reactions
The omission of Hyman and teammate Evan Bouchard from Team Canada generated mixed feelings among fans. Initially disappointed, Ryder later found a silver lining. “Hyman and Nugent-Hopkins can use the rest, especially since Connor and Leon will be heavily relied on for their respective teams,” he remarked.
| Player | Games Played | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zach Hyman | 36 | 22 | 14 |
Future Prospects for the Oilers
The Oilers reached the Stanley Cup Finals in 2024 and 2025 but fell short against the Florida Panthers both times. Ryder also encourages fans to appreciate the players in Edmonton. “Watching McDavid is akin to witnessing greatness,” he said. “It’s a privilege to see him play live.” Despite the challenges of being an Oilers fan in the past, Ryder feels optimistic about the team’s direction.
