Oilers’ Zach Hyman invites Shaq to Edmonton for Stanley Cup Final
Edmonton Oilers forward Zach Hyman is doing his best to bring a pair of NBA legends to the Alberta capital.
The Oilers veteran recently appeared on an episode of the Spittin’ Chiclets Podcast, where he extended an invitation to both Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley. Those two NBA legends-turned-broadcasters have been rooting for the Oilers for the past two playoff runs, but have yet to make it to Edmonton for a game.
With Hyman out with an injury, he told the Spittin’ Chiclets crew that he’d love to have the pair in the city during the final.
“If those two are open to it, let’s make it happen,” Hyman said. “I got time on my hands now because I’m not playing.
“I’d love to shoot the sh*t with them and watch a game, bring them out to Rogers.”
Zach put in a request to Biz for Shaq & Charles to come to edmonton LMFAO😭😭 pic.twitter.com/YdEBagv7HX
— x – alicia ^^^ 😆 misses zach hyman (@leashadawg) June 3, 2025
Hyman has a particularly interesting connection with Shaq. During the 2024 run to the Stanley Cup Final, he earned himself the nickname of Shaq Hyman. Once that reached the hulking ex-NBA player, the two exchanged signed jerseys.
It became one of the weirder but funnier stories of that playoff run.
An @EdmontonOilers @ZachHyman jersey for @SHAQ and now he returns the favour with a game worn @Lakers jersey delivered by @NabilKarimTV (various cameos including @EdmontonJack ) pic.twitter.com/AIJWH9GNyZ
— Gene Principe (@GenePrincipe) May 16, 2024
Barkley, on the other hand, has a little less of a personal connection to the team, but the passion is still there. Chuck picked the Oilers to win the Stanley Cup at the beginning of the playoffs and was also gifted a signed Leon Draisaitl jersey last season.
He also had a legendary reaction to Edmonton’s Game 2 OT winner against the Vegas Golden Knights in round two that interrupted a live NBA on TNT broadcast.
Charles Barkley was HYPED after Edmonton Oilers OT series winning W last night vs Vegas
— TrendingSportsPodcast (@TrendingSportsP) May 15, 2025
As amazing as it would be to see both Shaq and Chuck make their way to Edmonton, it’s probably a bit unrealistic. Both analysts will be busy covering the NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers, making a trip to the Alberta capital unlikely.
Still, you have to respect Hyman for realizing how amazing a potential visit from those two would be.