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Most Ontario born NHL Draft prospects are playing in the OHL, however there are some who bypass that route and decide to play “Junior A” hockey to maintain their NCAA eligibility. Jake Walman, who plays for the Toronto Jr. Canadiens in the OJHL is one of those prospects. Walman’s trophy list from this season certainly shows the level of play he’s at. CJHL Rookie of the Year, CJHL Top Prospect Award, OHA B.J. Monro Memorial Trophy Top Prospect, OJHL First Team All-Prospect, OJHL Rookie of the Year, OJHL Top Prospect Award.
I first noticed Walman when he was playing for Team Canada East at the World Junior A Championships. Seeing his ability, and his birthdate, I made a note to make sure I checked him out a couple of times with his Toronto Junior Canadiens squad. When I later learned that Walman used to be a forward and has only been playing defence for less than two full seasons, I was even more impressed. Walman is committed to the University of Providence to play for the Friars next season. Should he change his mind, his OHL rights are owned by the Peterborough Petes.
Jake Walman
Defence — Shoots Left
Born – February 20, 1996 — Toronto, On, Can
Height – 6.01 — Weight 170 lbs [185 cm / 79 Kg]
Jake Walman is an absolute elite skater, and in my mind is right there battling with Roland McKeown for the title of best skating defenceman in this draft class. He has elite speed in both directions. His first step is quick and a smooth, almost effortless stride leads to outstanding acceleration. His edge work, pivots, cross-overs, and agility are all extremely good. He has the type of lateral agility that allows him to quickly walk the line and open up passing and shooting lanes. In his own zone he rolls off checks and opens up space to clear the puck. Couple this with good balance, and his mobility is off the charts. This skating ability makes him extremely difficult to beat one-on-one, and able to join, or lead the rush while still recovering defensively and hardly ever getting caught with the level of opposition he faces.
Offensively, Walman is poised with the puck. He nearly always makes the right decision on the breakout, whether it is a crisp pass, or skating it out himself and rarely turns the puck over. He has excellent vision and can quarterback the play from the blue line. His point shot is decent, but not at the level of many of the other offensive defencemen in the draft. Hopefully he will be able to improve it with added muscle mass over the next few seasons. If there is an issue its that he can sometimes try some things with the puck that will work for him at the level he is playing at, but will not work when he plays against better competition.
Defensively Walman is physical despite being undersized. He loves to throw big hits and battle along the boards. He also battles hard in the corners and in front of his net despite needing to add muscle. As stated, Walman is extremely difficult to beat one-on-one due to his superb skating ability. He is a little raw in his defensive positioning, and will need some coaching on properly reading the play in the defensive zone. This may improve with more experience on the blue line.
Jake Walman’s style is reminiscent of Brian Campbell of the Florida Panthers. This is a stylistic comparison and not a talent one though. He has the potential to be a top 4 defender at the NHL level. The biggest question marks are the level of competition he faced, and how he will do when he’s not far and away the best player on the ice every game, and if he can improve his defensive instincts.
Check back tomorrow for my next prospect.
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Main Photo via CJHL.com, by Shawn Muir / OJHL Images
