The San Jose Sharks are reportedly trading No. 1 defenseman Jake Walman to the Edmonton Oilers.
San Jose is about to play against the Colorado Avalanche at 6:30 p.m. PT on Thursday, and warmups will indicate the deal. If Walman is on the ice for the Sharks, then the trade isn’t close, but if he doesn’t play, that means the deal is close.
The Sharks are reportedly getting a first-round pick in return for Walman. San Jose acquired Walman and a 2024 second-round pick from the Detroit Red Wings for future considerations last summer.
San Jose dealt Nico Sturm on Thursday and is also sitting Luke Kunin for trade-related reasons.
In 50 games, Walman has six goals, 26 assists, and is -1. He’s averaged a career-high 23:11 minutes a game. Walman’s contract at $3.4 million has one year left after this season. The Sharks do not have any salary retention spots available, so either a third team is involved, or Edmonton can fit his salary under the cap with another trade.
Walman will provide the Oilers with size, strong puck-moving ability, and chip-in offense in a second-pair role.
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