Leon Draisaitl praises Zach Hyman’s toughness after broken nose incident (Source: Imagn)
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.
