Oilers Trade for Jake Walman to Bolster Defense

The Edmonton Oilers have acquired defenseman Jake Walman from the San Jose Sharks, exchanging a conditional first-round pick in 2026 and forward Carl Berglund. Walman, who is 29 and under contract through 2026, has had a breakout season with a career-high 32 points and averaged 23:11 of ice time per game. The trade deal allows Edmonton to defer the draft pick to 2027 if it is a top-12 selection, with specific conditions should Edmonton trade its 2027 pick before the 2026 deadline. Walman is expected to enhance the Oilers' blue line despite having some defensive vulnerabilities. The trade comes as the Oilers aim to strengthen their defensive options following injuries to key players. San Jose continues to rebuild, having made other significant trades leading up to the NHL trade deadline.