Jake Walman’s early days with the Oilers show promise—his mobility, puck-moving skills, and offensive instincts add depth and versatility to Edmonton’s blue line rotation.

When the Edmonton Oilers acquired defenseman Jake Walman, expectations were cautiously optimistic. Known for his smooth skating, offensive instincts, and ability to move the puck efficiently, Walman arrived in Edmonton with the potential to be more than just a depth addition. And in his early games wearing the Oilers sweater, he’s already begun to prove that he could be a key contributor as the team gears up for another run at the Stanley Cup.

Walman’s journey to Edmonton may have been somewhat under the radar, but his skill set is now very much in the spotlight. His early performance has drawn praise not only for what he does with the puck but also for how he helps elevate the Oilers’ transitional game and complements the team’s more physical blue-line presence. As the season progresses, Walman is quickly making the case that he’s more than just a temporary fix—he could be part of Edmonton’s long-term defensive core.

Background: The Road to Edmonton

Jake Walman, originally a third-round pick of the St. Louis Blues in the 2014 NHL Draft, is a late bloomer by NHL standards. After stints with the Blues and Detroit Red Wings, Walman earned a reputation as a strong-skating defenseman who could contribute offensively while maintaining responsible positioning in his own zone.

His time in Detroit was particularly productive. During the 2022–23 season, Walman emerged as a reliable second-pair defenseman, showcasing excellent mobility and an improving defensive game. He was paired with Moritz Seider for much of the season, and their chemistry was one of the few bright spots on an otherwise struggling Red Wings roster.

When the Oilers made the move to bring in Walman, the decision was part of a broader strategy to reshape their defense corps—adding speed, puck transition, and depth in an area that has at times been a liability in the McDavid era.

Immediate Fit in the Oilers Lineup

Walman’s early games with Edmonton have seen him slotted into a variety of roles, including second-pair and power-play minutes. One of the biggest compliments to his skill set is how seamlessly he’s been able to integrate into the Oilers’ high-tempo system.

The Oilers love to play fast, using quick breakouts to fuel their deadly offensive weapons. Walman’s ability to skate the puck out of danger and make a strong first pass has immediately contributed to smoother zone exits—something the Oilers desperately needed, especially in high-stakes games.

His presence also takes pressure off the team’s top defensemen, like Darnell Nurse and Evan Bouchard, allowing the coaching staff to spread ice time more evenly and avoid overloading players in tough matchups.

Skating and Transition Play

What jumps out most about Walman’s game is his skating. He moves with ease, both forwards and backwards, and excels at using his edges to create space. He’s especially effective at escaping pressure on retrievals and making smart decisions with the puck when exiting the zone.

This kind of skill is essential in today’s NHL, where the pace of play has never been faster and the need for mobile defensemen is at a premium. Walman’s skating allows him to stay engaged in the play, jump into the rush when necessary, and recover defensively if the puck turns over.

In fact, Edmonton’s transition game has visibly improved since his arrival. With Walman on the ice, the Oilers are better able to turn defense into offense in one quick sequence—a critical strength for a team led by players like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, who thrive on quick counters.

Offensive Upside and Power Play Potential

While not necessarily a high-scoring defenseman, Walman possesses a sneaky offensive upside. He has a quick, accurate wrist shot that he isn’t afraid to use from the point. He also has good instincts when it comes to pinching in the offensive zone and maintaining pressure on extended possessions.

In his early games with the Oilers, he’s already shown flashes of chemistry on the second power-play unit. While Evan Bouchard continues to quarterback the top unit, Walman gives the coaching staff another reliable option who can distribute the puck and create shooting lanes with his footwork.

Don’t be surprised if his offensive numbers get a bump simply by playing in Edmonton’s high-powered system. With the Oilers generating so many scoring chances, even secondary contributors like Walman have a chance to rack up assists and get involved in highlight-reel plays.

Defensive Reliability

For all the talk about his offensive instincts, Walman’s defensive game has quietly taken big strides in recent years. One of the biggest areas of improvement is his gap control and ability to break up plays at the blue line. He’s become more physical when needed and has a good stick that disrupts passing lanes.

He’s also learned how to play within his limits—rarely taking unnecessary risks and ensuring that his mobility doesn’t turn into recklessness. That kind of maturity is exactly what the Oilers need from their second- and third-pair defensemen, especially in the playoffs.

Coach Kris Knoblauch has already praised Walman’s ability to read the play defensively and make quick decisions under pressure—traits that have helped him win key shifts and earn trust in high-leverage situations.

Chemistry with Teammates

Building chemistry on the blue line takes time, but Walman has already found promising early returns playing alongside Philip Broberg and Brett Kulak in various pairings. Each of those pairings offers a different dynamic, but Walman’s ability to adapt to different partners is a huge asset.

With Broberg, Walman plays more of a stabilizing role, using his experience and skating to cover for the young Swede’s growing pains. With Kulak, the pairing becomes more mobile and defensively sound, ideal for tough matchups or penalty-kill situations.

The fluidity with which he’s been able to slot into the lineup bodes well for the rest of the season, especially as the Oilers look to tighten up defensively for a deep playoff push.

Leadership and Locker Room Presence

Though not the loudest player, Walman brings a level of quiet confidence and professionalism that resonates in the locker room. He’s been through ups and downs in his career—healthy scratches, trades, long AHL stints—and that journey has shaped him into a well-rounded, team-first player.

Early reports suggest that he’s fit in well with Edmonton’s leadership group and is appreciated for his work ethic and preparation. On a team with strong personalities and a clear win-now mandate, having a calm, composed presence like Walman is an underrated asset.

Long-Term Outlook with Edmonton

Jake Walman is currently on a reasonable contract, which makes him even more valuable given the Oilers’ cap constraints. If he continues to perform at this level, there’s a real chance Edmonton extends him or elevates his role further in the seasons to come.

At 28 years old, Walman is entering his prime years as a defenseman. He’s no longer a project—he’s a finished product, and one who fits the modern NHL perfectly. His skating, vision, and versatility align well with what Edmonton is trying to build both in the short and long term.

Should the Oilers go deep in the playoffs, Walman’s name could easily become one of those “under-the-radar” acquisitions that ends up making all the difference.