NHL trade rumors: Edmonton Oilers acquiring Jake Walman in deal with Sharks

According to TSN's Ryan Rishaug, the Edmonton Oilers are rumored to be acquiring defenseman Jake Walman from the San Jose Sharks. The potential deal would send a conditional draft pick and a prospect to San Jose in exchange for Walman.

The Oilers appear set to take Walman's full salary cap hit, which confirms earlier speculation that Edmonton would use the cap space freed up by Evander Kane's long-term injured reserve status.

Kane underwent multiple surgeries to repair injuries from a sports hernia in 2022–23, as well as a follow-up knee procedure this year. The 29-year-old Jake Walman has 32 points (6 goals, 26 assists) in 50 games with the Sharks.

The trade has not been officially completed or confirmed by either team as of yet. However, Seravalli's report indicates it could be finalized soon, likely once the conditional pick and prospect details are sorted out.

Analysts’ reaction to Jake Walman's trade to the Edmonton Oilers

The potential trade sending defenseman Jake Walman from the San Jose Sharks to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for a conditional draft pick and prospect elicited quick takes from hockey analysts. Many seem to feel the move will benefit both Walman and the Oilers.

Leading advanced stats analyst PAVEL Analytics sees the change of scenery helping Walman's defensive numbers in particular:

"Walman is a solid enough defenceman who hasn’t had the best last two years due to poor schemes under (Detroit coach) Lalonde, and San Jose being, well, San Jose. Look for him to bring those defensive numbers up with a change of scenery, while the offence cools off without the PP."

Longtime Sharks commentator Drew Remenda offered high praise for Walman's improvement this season, saying on an Edmonton sports talk show:

"He has been their best defenceman all year. He has improved his play. He gets back to pucks quicker than he did before. He can PK. He was on the PP and has a bomb of a shot.”

JFresh Hockey's analytics expert views Walman as an offensive-minded defender who will help the Oilers' transition game:

"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"

The consensus seems to be that Walman will provide an upgrade to the Oilers' blue line corps both offensively and defensively.