Welcome to Oilersnation’s annual player review series, where we dive into the Edmonton Oilers season player by player. We’ll look back at the season that was, what kind of impact each player had, and what we could see from them next season. You can read about the analytics behind my analysis here. 

Still a difference-maker

The Edmonton Oilers have repeatedly struck out on big moves during the McDavid era. Whether it was locking in Darnell Nurse to a bloated contract or whiffing on a couple of pricey goalies, it makes one wonder where the team would be if they hadn’t hit a home run when they signed Zach Hyman.

Ken Holland’s crowning achievement as Oilers GM was signing Hyman to a seven-year, $5.5 million contract in the 2021 offseason.

He quickly gelled with Connor McDavid thanks to his relentless forechecking and net-front game. McDavid and Hyman are plus-59 together at five-on-five, over the past three seasons, with McDavid dropping to minus-seven without........

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