The Edmonton Oilers have their man, and this time it is a defenceman. News just broke that the Oilers have acquired defenceman Jake Walman via trade from the San Jose Sharks. It just seems that general manager Stan Bowman is never satisfied, and this is another roster addition. Hopefully Walman will be the type of d-man to help solidfy the 2024-25 defensive core. The return to San Jose is a conditional 2026 first-round pick and Carl Berglund.
Jake Walman is officially a member of the @EdmontonOilers! 🔵🟠 #NHLTradeDeadline pic.twitter.com/RodTJm04O3
— NHL (@NHL) March 7, 2025
The Edmonton Oilers Trade for Defenceman Jake Walman
Rather than let it go down to the wire (there’s still some 19+ hours until the official 3 p.m. Eastern deadline), the Oilers made the move to acquire Walman the night before the deadline. It can help make things easier getting it out of the way this evening.
Walman is in the middle of career year for the Sharks. He is up to 32 points in 50 games played. Furthermore, he skates over 23 minutes a night this season. Even if the Sharks haven’t been the best, Walman has been a part of the reason things were looking up. Even parlaying it into a trade ain’t so bad.
For San Jose
San Jose can hold their head up high, after flipping Walman for a first rounder. Only back in June, Detroit had to include a second-round pick just to get the Sharks to take him. Needless to say, kudos on a job well done my Sharks management. Also, Carl Berglund isn’t a huge asset, but is an AHL regular this year. The centre has 12 points in 45 games with the Bakersfield Condors this year.
What Does it Mean in Edmonton
This is a big statement by Edmonton. Last year their defence was an incredible six-man unit. It got a bit uncertain comes playoffs, but this year’s team has failed to match that success. They still have a few big pieces despite the turnover. Now, bringing in Walman really brings that extra layer of security to the blueline as whole. Mattias Ekholm and Evan Bouchard will remain as the top pair. Now after that, they have some options. With Darnell Nurse on the left side as well, Walman will slot in on that side too. So, that leaves Brett Kulak, Troy Stecher, and Ty Emberson to fill-in by committee. Walman is a big name pickup, and Edmonton is hoping that they can turn this hype into reality. Even if it is one step at a time.
Main Photo Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
