Why Jake Walman, the new defenseman for the Edmonton Oilers, is a perfect fit

When the Edmonton Oilers traded for Jake Walman from the San Jose Sharks in early March 2025, the move raised eyebrows and excited fans. The Oilers, an offensively gifted team with an explosive top-six forward group led by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, had long been in search of solid defensive support to complement their dynamic attack. Walman, a skilled defenseman known for his offensive upside, seemed like the right answer.

In this article, we’ll delve into why Jake Walman’s arrival in Edmonton is not just a short-term fix but a long-term asset for the team. From his playing style to the tactical fit and impact on the locker room culture, Walman represents everything the Oilers need in their pursuit of a Stanley Cup championship.

A Background on Jake Walman’s Career

Before discussing how Walman fits into the Oilers’ lineup, it’s important to understand the trajectory of his career. Born in Toronto, Ontario, Walman was drafted in the third round (82nd overall) of the 2014 NHL Draft by the St. Louis Blues. The 6’0”, 215-pound defenseman honed his skills at Providence College, where he quickly became known for his offensive abilities and two-way game. After three seasons in college, Walman made the jump to the AHL, spending time with the Chicago Wolves and the San Antonio Rampage, before finally breaking into the NHL with the Blues.

Though Walman’s time with St. Louis was steady, it wasn’t until he moved to the Detroit Red Wings and later to the San Jose Sharks that he truly began to show the offensive flashes that make him such an exciting player. In the 2024-2025 season, Walman put up career highs in both goals and assists, scoring six goals and adding 26 assists for a total of 32 points in just 50 games. This performance caught the attention of the Oilers, who were looking to bolster their defensive corps.

Why Jake Walman Is a Perfect Fit for the Oilers

Offensive Threat From the Blue Line

One of the most compelling reasons Jake Walman is such a perfect fit for the Oilers is his ability to contribute offensively from the back end. While the Oilers boast some of the most explosive forwards in the NHL, their blue line has historically struggled to provide consistent offensive support. The addition of a player like Walman, who can drive offense and generate scoring chances, adds a much-needed dimension to their defensive unit.

Walman’s skating is one of his strongest attributes, allowing him to cover ground quickly and effectively. His ability to join the rush and create scoring opportunities from the blue line will complement the Oilers’ speed and transition game. Additionally, his powerful point shot makes him a legitimate threat on the power play. With the Oilers already boasting a potent power play unit, Walman’s presence only enhances their ability to create chances from all areas of the ice.

Skating and Puck Movement

In today’s NHL, a defenseman’s skating ability and puck-moving skills are vital to a team’s success. Walman excels in both areas, making him a seamless fit for the Oilers’ system. His agility and fluid skating style allow him to quickly transition from defense to offense, a crucial trait for a team that thrives on quick transitions and fast breaks.

Walman is adept at handling the puck in tight spaces and making crisp, accurate passes. His ability to initiate breakouts and find his forwards with stretch passes will be invaluable to a team that loves to push the pace of the game. In particular, pairing him with a player like Evan Bouchard, who has also shown offensive promise, could create a potent duo capable of dictating the pace of play and controlling the game from the back end.

Defensive Responsibility

While Walman’s offensive game is often the focal point of his skill set, he is not without his defensive strengths. Though not the most physical defenseman, Walman has shown solid positioning and an ability to read the game well. His anticipation of opposing players’ movements and his ability to disrupt plays in the neutral zone will be essential for the Oilers, who have often struggled defensively in past seasons.

Additionally, Walman’s ability to defend against the cycle and protect his net front gives him the defensive awareness that complements his offensive style. His presence on the blue line allows the Oilers to deploy a more balanced defense, which will be crucial when facing some of the high-powered offenses in the Western Conference.

Adding Depth to the Oilers’ Defense

The Oilers’ defense had been a point of concern for several seasons, particularly when it came to having multiple reliable defensemen who could contribute at both ends of the ice. Walman’s arrival gives the Oilers the ability to roll out three solid defensive pairings, each capable of playing significant minutes while contributing in different ways.

Walman’s skill set allows head coach Jay Woodcroft to experiment with various pairings, creating optimal chemistry between his defensemen. For instance, Walman’s ability to play both sides of the defense gives Woodcroft flexibility in how he pairs him with other players. His ability to fit in alongside Bouchard, a rising star on the blue line, allows the Oilers to form a potent second-pairing duo capable of generating offense while holding their own in their own zone.

With a reliable player like Walman in the lineup, the Oilers’ defense no longer looks like a glaring weakness. Instead, it provides a strong backbone for the team to rely on as they pursue deeper playoff runs.

Culture Fit: Walman’s Leadership and Work Ethic

Beyond his skills on the ice, Jake Walman’s personality and leadership qualities make him an ideal fit for the Oilers’ locker room. Known for his hard work, determination, and professionalism, Walman is the type of player who leads by example. His experience playing for multiple teams in the NHL has given him a well-rounded perspective on what it takes to win at the highest level.

Walman has earned the respect of his teammates, and his presence in the Oilers’ locker room will be a boost for a team that values leadership and work ethic. In particular, his ability to mentor younger players and provide guidance on how to handle the pressures of an NHL season will help elevate the team’s culture.

The Playoff Push: Walman’s Impact in Crucial Moments

As the Oilers move into the stretch run of the regular season and into the playoffs, Walman’s experience and composure will be valuable assets. While he may not have the extensive playoff experience of some of the Oilers’ veterans, his ability to elevate his game in big moments will make him a key contributor in high-pressure situations.

Having a reliable, two-way defenseman like Walman in the playoffs can be a game-changer. His ability to contribute offensively and defend effectively against top opposing players will allow the Oilers to match up better against other elite teams in the Western Conference, such as the Colorado Avalanche and the Vegas Golden Knights. Walman’s skill set also provides the Oilers with a dynamic player who can be relied upon in crucial moments, whether it’s in the dying seconds of a tied game or on a power play during an important series.

Contractual Situation and Future Outlook

Jake Walman is under contract with the Oilers through the 2025–2026 season with a $3.4 million average annual value (AAV). This contract length provides stability for the team while fitting within their salary cap structure. Given that Walman is still in his prime years, his contract ensures the Oilers will have him on the books during their championship window.

Additionally, the conditional nature of the first-round pick traded for Walman means that the Oilers are making a calculated risk. However, Walman’s performance thus far suggests that the return will be well worth the investment, adding another key piece to the team’s push for a Cup.

Jake Walman’s arrival in Edmonton addresses several critical needs for the Oilers and provides them with a highly skilled, well-rounded defenseman capable of contributing at both ends of the ice. His ability to move the puck, contribute offensively, and play solid defense complements the team’s high-octane offense and fills a crucial gap in their lineup.

As the Oilers look to solidify their place among the Stanley Cup contenders, Walman’s presence on the blue line will be invaluable. His versatility, leadership, and playoff potential make him an ideal fit for this team, and his addition gives the Oilers the depth they need to compete with the best of the best. In short, Jake Walman is not just a perfect fit—he’s a game-changer for the Edmonton Oilers.