The Edmonton Oilers have acquired defenceman Jake Walman from the San Jose Sharks, per multiple sources. In return, the Sharks receive a 2026 conditional first-round pick and prospect Carl Berglund. The conditions are if the pick lands within the top 12, it will transfer to 2027. If the Oilers trade their 2027 first before the 2026 trade deadline, then the 2026 pick will go to San Jose unprotected
Berglund, 20, was an undrafted player within the Oilers’ pipeline, and he’s currently playing for their AHL affiliate team in Bakersfield. He has two goals and 12 points in 45 games played this season. He’s seen as likely being just a throw-in.
Getting a first was another example of amazing asset management by the Sharks. They took on Walman as a cap dump from the Detroit Red Wings and got a second-round pick for doing so. Walman carries a cap hit of $3.4M and has one more year after this one.
Walman improves the Oilers’ left side
Walman has had a career year for the Sharks, recording six goals and 32 points in 50 games. He’s been a bright spot on a struggling Sharks team, and now he’ll get the chance to bring his talents to a contender. The Oilers will get him for the rest of this season and next season as well.
The addition of Walman is great for the Oilers’ top four. They’ll now likely move a player like Ty Emberson or Brett Kulak to the bottom pair and Walman will slot in.
A strong aspect of Walman’s game is his puck-moving ability. This will also significantly help the flow of the blue line moving the puck up and down the ice during the rush or with transitional play. He’s more offensively minded, but defensively he isn’t a complete liability. Being surrounded by better players in Edmonton will likely help Walman’s game tremendously.
Follow The Oil Rig on social media!
6 Comments