Why ex-Shark Walman believes his NHL career is “just getting started” at the age of 29

Jake Walman is no stranger to the grind of the NHL. After several seasons of bouncing between the minors and the NHL, Walman has steadily carved out a reputation as a reliable defenseman. The 29-year-old is often described as a strong two-way player with a combination of physicality and smooth skating that has allowed him to make a name for himself in a tough league. For many players, the age of 29 can sometimes be seen as a time when the peak years of an NHL career are behind them, but Walman doesn’t see it that way. He believes his NHL career is “just getting started.”

For Walman, who spent a portion of his early career with the San Jose Sharks before eventually being traded to the Edmonton Oilers, his journey has been anything but linear. After getting drafted by the St. Louis Blues and spending several years moving up the ranks, Walman has gained invaluable experience that he believes will help him take his game to new heights. While others may view a 29-year-old player as nearing the twilight of his career, Walman has a different perspective. With his recent move to the Oilers and a renewed sense of purpose, the defenseman is ready to prove that his best years are yet to come.

In this article, we’ll explore why Jake Walman believes his NHL career is only beginning, how his experiences and growth as a player have shaped his mindset, and what lies ahead for him as he embarks on the next chapter of his hockey journey.

A Rocky Road to the NHL: Walman’s Early Career

Jake Walman’s journey to the NHL was not as straightforward as many others. Drafted by the St. Louis Blues in the 3rd round (82nd overall) of the 2014 NHL Draft, Walman’s path to the big leagues was filled with challenges. After spending some time developing in the NCAA and the AHL, Walman eventually made his NHL debut in 2017. However, his early years with the Blues were marked by inconsistency, as he spent significant time in the AHL and was often a healthy scratch for stretches of the season.

Walman’s early career wasn’t without its frustrations. Many players would have been discouraged by the back-and-forth between the minors and NHL, but for Walman, these experiences became a source of motivation. He knew that he had the potential to be a full-time NHL player, but the key was finding consistency in his game. Through hard work and a commitment to improving, Walman slowly started to find his footing.

In his first few seasons with the Blues, he primarily played a bottom-pairing role, focused on defending with physicality and providing depth in the team’s blue line. He showed flashes of his skill, but the level of competition and consistency required at the NHL level was a learning curve. This phase of his career was a valuable stepping stone for Walman, as he refined his defensive play and began to understand the nuances of playing in the world’s best hockey league.

However, despite the steady development, Walman found himself moving to a new team in a trade that would be a pivotal moment in his career.

A New Beginning: Walman’s Move to the San Jose Sharks

Walman was traded to the San Jose Sharks during the 2023-2024 NHL season, a move that marked another important chapter in his journey. Joining the Sharks, a team that was in the midst of a rebuild, gave Walman an opportunity to step into a more prominent role on the blue line. The Sharks, looking for stability and improvement in their defensive corps, saw Walman as a player who could contribute immediately.

With the Sharks, Walman was given the chance to play in a more significant role compared to his previous time with the Blues. He was paired with veteran defensemen, and his responsibilities increased, especially in key situations like the penalty kill and defensive zone coverage. This change allowed Walman to showcase his full range of abilities, and he was able to make an impression with his strong skating, physical play, and his occasional contributions on offense.

Walman’s time in San Jose also gave him an opportunity to play against some of the league’s top players more regularly, an experience that helped him further develop his defensive skills and gain confidence in his decision-making. It wasn’t just about improving his game; Walman began to feel the leadership responsibilities that came with playing for a team in transition. As one of the more experienced players on the blue line, Walman’s influence on the ice began to grow, and he started to feel like an integral part of the Sharks’ defensive setup.

However, despite the growth and opportunities in San Jose, Walman was soon on the move again, this time heading to the Edmonton Oilers—a team on the cusp of Stanley Cup contention.

The Edmonton Oilers Trade: A New Challenge for Walman

The trade to the Edmonton Oilers was an exciting yet daunting challenge for Walman. On one hand, it represented an opportunity to play for a contender, a chance to compete for a Stanley Cup, something every player aspires to. On the other hand, Walman was once again adjusting to a new environment with high expectations. Joining a team with the offensive firepower of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl means that the spotlight is always on, and there’s little room for error, particularly on the defensive side of the puck.

For Walman, the Oilers represented a new beginning—one where he could continue developing his game and elevate it alongside some of the best players in the league. His move to Edmonton signified a change in mindset. No longer just trying to carve out a niche as a reliable bottom-pairing defender, Walman now had the chance to be a key player for a team with championship aspirations.

“I feel like my game is just getting to the point where it’s starting to click,” Walman explained in an interview shortly after the trade. “I’ve learned so much over the past few seasons, and now I’m in a position where I can take what I’ve learned and apply it with a team that’s built to win. I’m still evolving as a player, and I’m excited to see what I can do with this group.”

Why Walman Believes His Career is “Just Getting Started”

Despite entering his 30s, Walman has no intention of slowing down. He feels that his NHL career is only beginning to reach its potential. The defenseman’s outlook is fueled by his belief that his best years are ahead of him—a mindset that comes from both personal experience and the opportunity to play for a competitive team like the Oilers.

1. A Stronger Foundation: Walman’s early years were marked by the typical struggles of any young player trying to find consistency at the NHL level. But with each season, he learned how to adapt to the challenges and build a strong foundation of defensive skills. By the time he reached 29, Walman felt that he had developed a mature understanding of the game, especially in key defensive areas like positioning, gap control, and reading plays. He now feels more confident than ever in his ability to handle the rigors of the NHL.
2. Physical Prime: At 29, many NHL players are in their physical prime, and Walman is no exception. His blend of size, speed, and physicality is what makes him a unique defenseman. While many players may begin to feel the effects of age around this time, Walman believes that his body is only getting stronger and more conditioned. He takes pride in his offseason training regimen, working diligently to stay in top shape and improve his physical tools.
3. A Changing Role: One of the key reasons Walman feels like his career is just beginning is his evolving role. In San Jose, he began to take on more responsibility, and now with the Oilers, he’s playing alongside elite players. This opportunity to contribute to a top-tier team is exactly what Walman feels he needs to take his career to the next level. He’s no longer just a role player but a key piece in a team’s quest for a championship.
4. Mental Growth: Beyond the physical tools, Walman has matured mentally as a player. The ups and downs of his journey—from the AHL to the NHL, from team to team—have taught him the importance of resilience and patience. He now approaches each game with a calm, focused mindset, ready to contribute in whatever way necessary for his team’s success.
5. The Influence of Veteran Leadership: As a 29-year-old, Walman now has the chance to be a mentor to younger players, just as older players helped him when he was finding his way. In Edmonton, he is surrounded by experienced leaders, which gives him the opportunity to learn even more and pass that knowledge onto younger teammates. This leadership role will be pivotal as he continues to grow as a player and solidifies his place on the Oilers’ blue line.

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Walman and the Oilers

As Walman settles into his new role with the Edmonton Oilers, he has the opportunity to play alongside some of the most talented players in the league. With the right combination of experience, physicality, and leadership, Walman’s potential has never been higher. He is a key piece in the Oilers’ defensive lineup, and with the right guidance and continued growth, his career trajectory is pointing upwards.

Walman’s belief that his NHL career is “just getting started” is not just hopeful thinking—he has put in the work, refined his skills, and embraced the challenges that come with playing in the NHL. Now, surrounded by championship-caliber talent, he has the platform to show that his best years are ahead of him. Whether or not the Oilers lift the Stanley Cup this season, Walman is determined to make his mark, proving that at 29, his career is far from over—it’s just beginning.