Edmonton Oilers Acquire Jake Walman in Trade with San Jose Sharks
The Edmonton Oilers have made a significant addition to their blue line, acquiring defenseman Jake Walman from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for a conditional first-round draft pick in 2026 and forward Carl Berglund. The move signals Edmonton’s commitment to shoring up their defense as they gear up for another deep playoff run.
The #Oilers have acquired defenceman Jake Walman from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for a conditional first-round draft pick & forward Carl Berglund.
Details of the Trade
The deal includes a conditional 2026 first-round pick heading to San Jose. If the Oilers’ pick lands in the top 12 of the draft, they have the option to defer the selection to 2027 instead. However, if Edmonton chooses to trade their 2027 first-round pick before the 2026 NHL trade deadline, the 2026 first-round selection will automatically transfer to the Sharks unconditionally.
Berglund, a promising young forward, was also included in the trade. The 24-year-old Swede had shown potential within the Oilers’ system but was unlikely to crack their deep forward lineup in the near future. Moving him allows Edmonton to focus on immediate roster needs, particularly strengthening their defense.
Walman’s Fit with the Oilers
Jake Walman, 29, has developed into a reliable two-way defenseman with strong skating ability and an underrated offensive game. His tenure with the Sharks was brief after being acquired from the Detroit Red Wings in the offseason, but he quickly proved his value as a puck-moving defender who can contribute in transition.
The left-shot blueliner has recorded six goals and 26 assists for a career-high 32 points in 50 games with the Sharks this season. Over his 252-game NHL career with San Jose, Detroit, and St. Louis, Walman has accumulated 31 goals and 52 assists.
Walman’s ability to log minutes in a top-four role will be a welcome boost to the Oilers’ defensive core. His presence could alleviate pressure on players like Darnell Nurse and Evan Bouchard, providing Edmonton with more depth and stability on the back end. Additionally, Walman’s defensive responsibility and shot-blocking ability make him a valuable asset for a team looking to tighten up in their own zone.
Contract Situation
Walman is currently playing under a three-year, $10.2 million contract with an annual cap hit of $3.4 million. His deal, signed on February 28, 2023, runs through the end of the 2025-26 season, at which point he will be 30 years old.
A Playoff-Minded Move
The Oilers’ decision to trade a first-round pick—conditional or not—underscores their win-now mentality. After falling just short in last year’s Stanley Cup Final, the organization is clearly focused on making immediate upgrades to solidify their championship aspirations.
While parting with a first-round pick is always a steep price, Walman’s addition addresses a crucial need. His experience and versatility should help Edmonton maintain defensive consistency while adding mobility and offensive upside from the blue line. If the Oilers can get the most out of Walman, this deal could prove to be a savvy move that strengthens their chances of contending for the Stanley Cup this season.
