The Oilers disclose the cost to acquire Jake Walman.

On March 6, 2025, the Edmonton Oilers bolstered their defensive lineup by acquiring defenseman Jake Walman from the San Jose Sharks. In exchange, the Oilers sent forward Carl Berglund and a conditional first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft to San Jose. citeturn0search2

Jake Walman’s Performance and Contract Details

Walman, 29, is enjoying a standout season, having posted six goals and 26 assists for a career-high 32 points in 50 games with the Sharks. This performance is particularly notable given the Sharks’ position at the bottom of the standings, highlighting Walman’s consistent contribution. Defensively, he has managed a plus-minus rating of minus-1, indicating a relatively balanced impact at both ends of the ice. citeturn0search8

Under the terms of the trade, Walman is under contract through the 2025-26 season, carrying an average annual value (AAV) of $3.4 million. This contract was originally signed with the Detroit Red Wings before his mid-season move to San Jose. citeturn0search4

Conditional First-Round Pick Details

The conditional nature of the 2026 first-round pick adds a strategic layer to the trade:

• Top-12 Protection: If the pick falls within the top 12 selections, the Oilers have the option to defer and send their 2027 first-round pick instead.
• Early Trade Clause: Should the Oilers trade their 2027 first-round pick before the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline, the 2026 pick will automatically transfer to the Sharks without protection. citeturn0search2

This structure provides the Oilers with flexibility, allowing them to retain their 2026 pick if they have a strong season, while also safeguarding against potential roster changes that might necessitate an earlier pick trade.

Carl Berglund’s Role and Potential

In return, the Sharks receive Carl Berglund, a 25-year-old forward who has spent the season with the Bakersfield Condors, the Oilers’ AHL affiliate. Berglund has recorded two goals and 12 assists in 45 games this season, bringing his career AHL totals to three goals and 16 points over 63 games since 2022. Standing six-foot-two and weighing 207 pounds, the native of Hammaro, Sweden, adds size and depth to the Sharks’ forward prospects. citeturn0search6

Strategic Implications for the Oilers

For the Oilers, the acquisition of Walman addresses several key needs:

• Defensive Depth: Walman adds experience and scoring ability to the blue line, complementing existing defensemen like Evan Bouchard, Mattias Ekholm, and Darnell Nurse.
• Power Play Enhancement: His offensive contributions, including 32 points this season, suggest potential to bolster the Oilers’ power play unit.
• Contractual Stability: With Walman under contract for another season, the Oilers secure a reliable defenseman without immediate concerns about contract negotiations.

Considerations for the Sharks

The Sharks’ decision to trade Walman reflects their strategic positioning for future development:

• Asset Accumulation: Securing a conditional first-round pick provides the Sharks with a valuable asset that could be pivotal in future roster building.
• Prospect Development: Berglund’s addition offers potential for growth within the Sharks’ system, aligning with their focus on nurturing talent.