Leon Draisaitl takes a playful dig at $38,500,000 Oilers forward over his broken nose injury

By Abhilasha Aditi

Modified Dec 20, 2024 15:01 GMT

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Leon Draisaitl made a light comment about Zach Hyman’s broken nose after Thursday’s game. Hyman was injured Monday against the Florida Panthers when a deflected slapshot hit his face. The injury caused two black eyes and a broken nose, which the Oilers' medical staff treated.

Despite the injury, Hyman returned in the third period wearing a full face shield. Draisaitl praised Hyman’s toughness, joking that it wasn’t his first broken nose. He called Hyman a “warrior” who always plays hard and pushes through challenges. Hyman had a similar injury during the 2016 AHL Calder Cup playoffs playing for the Toronto Marlies.

"It’s tough. Everyone plays through stuff. But that's a different type of scare, right? Obviously, it wasn't the first time - him breaking his nose. I'm sure he's got some experience, if you want to say. He's obviously a warrior. He'll play through anything really. (He) just plays hard, plays the right way," Draisaitl said.

Zach Hyman, who is signed to a seven-year, $38.5 million contract, spoke to reporters on Thursday with bandages on his nose. He described the injury as painful but felt lucky it wasn’t worse. He joked that the sound of his nose being reset was like a “bag of chips.”

Hyman also shared that wearing a bubble shield now reminds him of using a cage during college hockey.

“Like, all things, if you’re allowed to play, you can play with the bubble,” he said. “I wore a cage in college, so a little removed from that, but yea." (via oilersnation.com).

This season has been tough for Zach Hyman due to injuries and lower production. However, he’s improving recently, with eight goals this month. He scored twice before his injury on Monday, marking his second multi-goal game in December.

Leon Draisaitl reaches 900 points as Oilers beat Bruins 3-2 in OT

The Edmonton Oilers beat the Boston Bruins 3-2 in overtime at Rogers Place on Thursday. Zach Hyman cut the lead to 2-1 in the second period with a shot from the right circle.

Connor McDavid tied the game 2-2 late in the third period, scoring between Jeremy Swayman’s pads. Mattias Ekholm scored the game-winning goal in overtime with a one-timer from Ryan Nugent-Hopkins’ pass.

Leon Draisaitl had three assists and reached 900 NHL points. Stuart Skinner made 24 saves for the Oilers, who have won six of their last seven games.