Edmonton Oilers‘ star Zach Hyman was on an absolute tear until disaster struck in Game 4 against Dallas. Besides scoring 5 goals and notching 6 assists in 15 games, Hyman set the tone for the Oilers’ offensive line aggression with a whopping 11 hits. Unfortunately, his contribution came to an abrupt end after Mason Marchment‘s hit dislocated his right wrist and damaged his ligaments. Yet, has that injury kept Hyman away?

Absolutely not, as the Oilers star joined Sportsnet’s Hockey Central panel amid his team going up against the Florida Panthers in Game 2. And it was during that segment that one of the panelists mentioned the winger’s speech from the previous year. It was a poignant speech that came naturally to the NHL forward after the Oilers came within touching distance of winning the Stanley Cup in Game 7.

“There’s nothing that’s going to make this feel better. I have nothing to say, but I know we’re going to be back. I f—— know we’re going to be back, boys. I know it in my f—— heart,” Zach Hyman said to his teammates just moments after losing the ultimate prize. While the sadness and frustration were palpable in his speech, the powerful words also carried a sense of determination and resilience to do better.

The 32-year-old revealed why he chose to wear his heart on his sleeve during that moment. “I didn’t really think about it. I felt like it was something that needed to be said. Words are powerful, and I truly believed that in that moment that we were going to be back, and that we were going to win,” said the NHL forward. Although it took some time for the others to speak up, they shared a similar sentiment.

“Good for them,” said defenseman Mattias Ekholm after saying Florida was the better team. “But we were darn close, and we are going to be back next year,” he added. Well, that’s exactly what the Edmonton Oilers have done this year. In fact, Zach Hyman and Co. have done it more efficiently in 16 games as opposed to taking 18 to make it to the final last year. Although the Oilers forward won’t be able to play in this epic final rematch, his job is not done yet.

Zach Hyman’s contribution didn’t end in Game 4 against Dallas

While the hit that took Hyman out of action didn’t look too bad, you could immediately tell it was bad. Marchment hit the NHL forward’s arms, and the 32-year-old immediately grabbed his right arm and double-timed toward the tunnel. He didn’t come back out, and the Oilers later confirmed the worst news. Zach Hyman seriously hurt his arm and needed surgery.

“I just felt my wrist kind of go on me,” Hyman told reporters ahead of the Stanley Cup finals. By then, he had already announced he would need to sit out the title series against the Cats. The veteran forward initially thought he would push through the pain, but a visit to the doctor changed everything. “I think I was still delusional, I could play through it until after the surgery … emotional in the moment,” said Hyman.

However, his Oilers teammates lessened the disappointment after winning the conference final. Connor McDavid and Co. passed around an iPhone in the locker room, with Hyman on the other end. Although their teammate was in the hospital, the Oilers celebrated with him and made him feel included. It was a moment that drove Zach Hyman to tears.

“It meant the world,” confessed the Oilers’ star. “It was the day after my surgery… it caught me off guard. Honestly, I was crying,” admitted Hyman. And now he’s ready to return the favor. Although he won’t be on the ice, Hyman will be in the thick of cheering his teammates a year after his fiery locker room speech. His presence won’t be limited to Rogers Place.

The NHL forward will travel to Sunrise, Florida, for Games 3, 4, & 6. “I’m just looking forward to cheering the guys on, and I think we’re ready,” Hyman told reporters. And after the Cats’ clapped back to tie the series at 1-1, the Oilers will need their hard-hitting forward more than ever before.