Zach Hyman's situation takes an interesting turn in Edmonton according to Mike Babcock

Zach Hyman is finally back on the ice with the Edmonton Oilers, but it sounds like he'll have to wait a little longer to get back into the lineup.

The winger took part in practice Friday morning in San Jose, his first skate with the group since an undisclosed injury knocked him out.

Head coach Mike Babcock reportedly pointed out that Hyman wasn't wearing a regular practice jersey, and he took that as a sign Hyman won't play when the Oilers visit the Sharks on Saturday.

It lines up with what we know so far.

Hyman has dressed just once this season, in the opener against the Vancouver Canucks, and he hasn't been cleared for game action yet.

The early projection had him out until at least October 17, so a few extra days wouldn't shock anyone.

Edmonton hasn't really needed him yet.

The Oilers are 3-0-1 and riding a three-game win streak, and they've kept the goals coming even with a long list of players hurt.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is still on injured reserve and Colton Dach is sidelined too, so the depth is getting tested every night.

Still, there's no doubt Hyman makes this group better.

He put up 52 points in just 58 games last season, and his work on the forecheck and around the net is exactly what a banged-up forward group needs.

The Oilers play the Sharks on Saturday and then head to Los Angeles to face the Kings on Tuesday, October 13.

Radio host Bob Stauffer has said Hyman could be in line to return against the Kings if he isn't ready for San Jose.

Nothing is official until the lineup is set, so Oilers fans will want to watch warmups closely.

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