Already without superstar Leon Draisaitl, things are going to get tougher for the Edmonton Oilers on their upcoming three-game road trip.

Zach Hyman, who missed Saturday’s 5-1 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights, is expected to miss games against the Utah Mammoth, San Jose Sharks and Los Angeles Kings this week, Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch said.

The Oilers will face those teams on Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday. Knoblauch said Hyman could return in one of the final two games of the regular season on April 13 when the Oilers host the Colorado Avalanche, or on April 16 when the host the Canucks in Edmonton’s final regular season game.

“Zach will stay at home, and hopefully he’ll be able to join us for that Monday game, or at the latest, Vancouver,” said Knoblauch.

Hyman was a game-time decision for Thursday night’s 3-1 win over the Chicago Blackhawks, but was able to dress in the game. While he took 19 shifts playing 16:40, laying one hit and taking a shot, he missed a Friday practice, and didn’t lace up the skates.

The Oilers missed his presence Saturday night, as Vegas was able to dictate play for most of the night. While Ryan Nugent-Hopkins returned to Connor McDavid and Matt Savoie’s opposite wing, Hyman’s absence was felt for a team already missing Draisaitl.

After missing the first 19 games of the season recovering from a wrist injury suffered in the playoffs last year, he made his season debut on Nov. 15, notching an assist against the Carolina Hurricanes. He’s since appeared in 57 games this season, scoring 31 goals and 51 points, his third 30-goal season since joining the Oilers in 2021.

Edmonton will need to find some wins down the stretch run of the season if they hope to win the Pacific Division. The Anaheim Ducks lost to the Calgary Flames Saturday, and Vegas’ win puts them third in the division with 86 points, as the Oilers and Ducks sit tied for the top spot with 87.

Zach Laing is Oilersnation’s managing editor, and The Nation Network’s news director. He also makes up one-half of the Daily Faceoff DFS Hockey Report. He can be followed on X at @zjlaing, or reached by email at zach.laing@bettercollective.com.

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