Former San Jose Sharks defenseman Jake Walman will return to the SAP Center for the first time since he was traded to the Edmonton Oilers earlier this season.
Walman was dealt on March 6th, before the game against the Colorado Avalanche. In return, San Jose acquired a first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft and prospect Carl Berglund.
“To be honest, I didn’t really expect it at all, but [I’m] fortunate to be a part of this team,” Walman told reporters on Wednesday. “It’s a team that’s had a chance over the last couple years. [I’m] excited to be a part of it and happy that they came and got me and saw something in me.”
During Wednesday’s practice, Walman skated on the Oilers’ top pair with Evan Bouchard.
In 12 games for Edmonton, the former Sharks defenseman has one goal, five assists, and averages 21:20 a night.
Walman was open to staying in San Jose
The San Jose Sharks and Walman were interested in keeping the defenseman around. Mike Grier told reporters that he couldn’t pass up the return the Oilers offered.
As for the former Detroit Red Wing, Walman was slightly disappointed he didn’t get a chance to stick around.
“I’m always open to anything. I leave my options open and just focus where [I’m] at the point of my career,” Walman said. “I am putting 110% into the place that I’m at.”
Walman told reporters that he played with Connor McDavid growing up and cheered for the Edmonton Oilers during the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
“I’m really proud of where I am right now. I think all the adversity that I’ve dealt a little bit in the beginning of my career set me up for a time like this,” Walman said. “I’m just getting started in my career now and feel great and lucky to be a part of this team. I was cheering for these guys last year in the playoffs. To be a part of it now, I’m really excited and really happy to help.”
Walman is fitting into the Oilers system
As he did with the Sharks, Walman has played both the left and right sides in all situations. Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch has enjoyed getting the 29-year-old in his lineup.
“He’s been touching all bases. Whether it’s been on the power play, penalty kill, five on five. [He’s a] very good puck-moving defenseman,” Knoblauch said. “[He] defends really well, but I think his biggest strength is just how well he’s moving the puck. We wanted somebody who could do that for our team.”
Walman understands that he’s in a different situation with Edmonton than in San Jose.
“Coming to the rink, just being a little more dialed in. A little more prepared. [That’s] not to say that guys aren’t; it’s just a different kind of mentality,” Walman explained. “When you step in the room, it’s a different feel. Guys know what to expect. It’s a totally different situation. San Jose, for sure, has got the building blocks to do that. It’s just, this team is a couple [of] steps ahead in that area.”
Walman has only appeared in one career playoff game. The former San Jose Sharks defenseman was with the St. Louis Blues during the 2020 bubble playoffs. He played game four of a first-round sweep to the Colorado Avalanche.
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