Oilers Waive Stecher and Loan Howard to AHL as Hyman’s Comeback Nears
The Edmonton Oilers have made significant roster moves as Zach Hyman’s return approaches. On Friday, the team placed defenceman Troy Stecher on waivers and loaned rookie forward Isaac Howard to the AHL’s Bakersfield Condors.
Roster Changes Overview
- Troy Stecher
- Age: 31
- Games Played: 6 this season
- Points: 0
- Average Ice Time: 13:37
- Career Stats: 22 goals and 117 points in 566 games
- Previous Teams: Vancouver Canucks, Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings, Arizona Coyotes
- Acquired during the 2023-24 season and signed a two-year deal
- Isaac Howard
- Age: 21
- Games Played: 17 this season
- Points: 2 goals and 1 assist
- Penalty Minutes: 10
- Award: 2025 Hobey Baker Memorial Award winner
- Drafted: 31st overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2022
- Traded to Edmonton from Tampa in exchange for Sam O’Reilly
Zach Hyman’s Return
Zach Hyman, 33, is approaching his season debut following wrist surgery after a fracture in Game 4 of last year’s Western Conference Final. He missed the remainder of the Stanley Cup Playoffs due to this injury. According to head coach Kris Knoblauch, Hyman is expected to return before the end of the Oilers’ current seven-game road trip.
Hyman has had a successful career, with 230 goals and 213 assists over 653 games played, primarily with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Oilers. The Oilers are currently holding a record of 8-7-4, placing them fourth in the Pacific Division as they prepare to face the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday night.
