Zach Hyman's journey to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, is far from a guaranteed spot, but recent developments suggest that the Edmonton Oilers forward is very much in the conversation. Despite being passed over for the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament earlier this year, Hyman has received an invitation to Hockey Canada's National Teams Orientation Camp in Calgary from August 26-28. This invitation signals that Hyman is being seriously considered by Hockey Canada's management for a spot on the Olympic roster.

Hyman's invitation to the orientation camp is not a golden ticket to Milan. The camp will host 42 NHL players, but the final Olympic roster will only consist of 25 players. Competition for a spot on Team Canada will be fierce, especially at the forward position. However, Hyman's unique skillset and his established chemistry with Connor McDavid give him a distinct advantage.

Hyman's career has been marked by consistent improvement and adaptability. He has played 10 seasons in the NHL, accumulating 230 goals and 213 assists in 653 games. Beyond the scoresheet, Hyman's value lies in his relentless work ethic, his ability to win puck battles, and his willingness to go to the dirty areas of the ice. These qualities are highly valued in international hockey, where games are often tight-checking and physical.

One of Hyman's biggest assets is his familiarity with Connor McDavid. The two have developed exceptional chemistry playing together on the Oilers' top line. Hyman's understanding of McDavid's game and his ability to anticipate his linemate's movements could be invaluable in a short tournament like the Olympics. In a tournament setting with limited preparation time, pre-existing chemistry can be a significant advantage.

While Hyman brings a lot to the table, he faces stiff competition from other talented Canadian forwards. Established stars like Sidney Crosby, Nathan MacKinnon, and Brayden Point have already been named to the preliminary roster. Other forwards in contention include Connor Bedard, Macklin Celebrini, Mitch Marner and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. To earn a spot, Hyman will need to demonstrate that he can complement the team's established stars and provide a unique dimension that other players cannot.

Ultimately, whether Zach Hyman makes the final Olympic roster will depend on several factors, including his performance in the upcoming NHL season, his showing at the orientation camp, and the overall composition of Team Canada. While the odds may seem long, Hyman's proven track record, his chemistry with McDavid, and his unwavering determination make him a contender who shouldn't be counted out.