TRADE: Oilers Acquire Sharks' Defenseman Jake Walman
The Edmonton Oilers have acquired defenseman Jake Walman from the San Jose Sharks, sending a first-round pick in return, according to multiple reports, including David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period and Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet.
The trade bolsters Edmonton’s blue line with a puck-moving, top-four defenseman who has been San Jose’s best blueliner this season.
Walman, 29, has six goals and 32 points in 50 games while averaging over 23 minutes of ice time per night, making him one of the Sharks’ most productive players. In addition, he holds an impressive -1 plus/minus rating, considering the Sharks have a -68 goal differential this season.
His ability to contribute offensively and play in all situations made him an appealing target for Oilers GM Stan Bowman, who has been looking to strengthen the defense ahead of a playoff run.
Sharks and Oilers have been working on a trade involving Jake Walman. We’ll see if it gets over the finish line
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) March 7, 2025
Originally drafted by the St. Louis Blues in 2014, Walman spent three seasons with the Detroit Red Wings, where he had a breakout year in 2022-23, before being traded to San Jose last summer.
Despite playing for a struggling Sharks team, Walman thrived in an expanded role, demonstrating strong puck possession numbers and an ability to drive play at both ends of the ice.
His contract, which carries a $3.4 million cap hit through next season, gives Edmonton a cost-effective option for their defensive core.
Walman is indeed going to Edmonton. The return is not yet confirmed, but chatter of a 1st round pick going to SJ.
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) March 7, 2025
Though the Oilers were initially rumored to be targeting a right-handed defenseman, Walman has experience playing his off-side, making him a flexible fit in Edmonton’s top four alongside Evan Bouchard, Mattias Ekholm, and Darnell Nurse.
The Oilers, reigning Western Conference champions, have struggled recently, winning just one of their last six games since returning from the 4 Nations Face-Off break.
The team has already made one other move leading up to the deadline, previously acquiring forwards Trent Frederic and Max Jones from the Boston Bruins.
Jake Walman, acquired by EDM, is an offensive defenceman. Has a big point shot and loves to use it. Good puck mover with a nice stretch pass. Can be a bit turnover prone, not particularly physical. Has had an impressive season all things considered as SJ's #1. #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/Dqxa6gI8ev
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) March 7, 2025
Photo Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
