The Edmonton Oilers recently bolstered their blue line with the acquisition of defenseman
Jake Walman, and early indications suggest he could become a long-term fixture on the team.
Despite being a relatively under-the-radar trade pickup, Walman has already impressed both fans and analysts with his play.
Now, an NHL insider believes the Oilers may be looking to lock him up with a multi-year extension.
Walman’s Immediate Impact in Edmonton
Since arriving in Edmonton, Jake Walman has wasted no time proving his value. The defenseman has showcased a well-rounded game, bringing physicality, responsible defending, and strong puck-moving skills to the Oilers’ back end. His presence has already made a noticeable impact, making him one of the more successful additions from the recent trade market.
NHL insider Bob Stauffer recently shared his belief that Walman could become a core piece of Edmonton’s defense for years to come.
“Would not surprise me if he is part of the long-term solution as a top-4 D in Edmonton. Worth the draft capital moved in the deal, in my opinion,” Stauffer said.
Stauffer’s comments highlight the Oilers’ confidence in Walman’s abilities, suggesting that management sees him as more than just a short-term rental.
A Contract Extension on the Horizon?
Currently, Walman is signed through next season with a $3.4 million cap hit. After that, he will become an unrestricted free agent. Given his impressive early performances in Edmonton, the Oilers may be wise to negotiate an extension sooner rather than later to avoid paying a premium later on.
The NHL’s salary cap is set to increase, meaning teams will have more flexibility when structuring new contracts. If Walman continues his high level of play—especially in the playoffs—his value could rise significantly. Locking him into a long-term deal before his price climbs might be a smart move for Edmonton.
Even though he has played only a couple of games for the Oilers so far, Walman’s style of play fits seamlessly into the team’s defensive system. His ability to transition the puck efficiently and hold his own in tough defensive matchups has made him a valuable asset in a short amount of time.
Walman’s Untapped Potential
One of the most intriguing aspects of Walman’s game is that analytics suggest he has been underutilized throughout his NHL career. Prior to arriving in Edmonton, he wasn’t necessarily viewed as a top-pairing or even top-four defenseman, but his underlying numbers indicate that he has the potential to thrive in a larger role.
If the Oilers give him consistent minutes and a defined role, he could develop into a key piece of their defensive core. His offensive instincts, combined with his defensive awareness, make him an all-around defenseman who can contribute in multiple situations.
For a team that has been searching for defensive stability to complement its offensive firepower, Walman may be exactly what they need.
The Potential Pairing with Mattias Ekholm
Perhaps even more exciting for Oilers fans is the fact that Walman has not yet played alongside Mattias Ekholm. The Oilers already have a strong defensive group, but pairing Walman with Ekholm could elevate Edmonton’s blue line to one of the best in the league.
Ekholm has been a steady, reliable defenseman since joining the Oilers, providing leadership and a shutdown presence on the back end. Adding Walman to the mix could give Edmonton an elite defensive pairing capable of handling tough matchups and driving play at both ends of the ice.
If the two defensemen develop chemistry, it would further justify the Oilers’ decision to invest in Walman long-term. A pairing of Ekholm and Walman could take pressure off the team’s other defensive pairings and provide much-needed depth for a deep playoff run.
Why an Extension Makes Sense for Both Sides
For Edmonton, extending Walman sooner rather than later is a proactive move that could pay dividends down the line.
1. Stability on Defense – The Oilers have long been criticized for their lack of defensive depth. Signing Walman to a long-term deal would help solidify their top four for the foreseeable future.
2. Financial Strategy – With the salary cap rising, Walman’s contract could look like a bargain in a few years if he continues to develop.
3. Playoff Contributions – If he excels in the postseason, his value will only increase. Signing him now could prevent the Oilers from having to overpay later.
From Walman’s perspective, committing to Edmonton could also be an attractive option.
He would have the opportunity to play a key role on a team built around superstars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
He would be part of a contending team that has a legitimate shot at winning a Stanley Cup.
Securing a long-term deal now would provide him with financial stability while he’s in his prime.
Looking Ahead
While nothing is finalized yet, all signs point to the Oilers seriously considering a long-term contract for Jake Walman. His smooth transition into the team, combined with his strong two-way play, has made a lasting impression in just a few games.
If he continues to perform well—particularly in the playoffs—it will only strengthen the argument for keeping him around for years to come.
For Edmonton, the move makes sense. The Oilers have struggled with defensive consistency in recent years, and locking up a player like Walman could provide much-needed stability on the blue line.
With the trade deadline behind them, Edmonton’s focus is now on winning. If Walman proves to be an essential piece of that puzzle, expect the Oilers
