Oilers 2026-27 Player Previews: Jake Walman

Training camp begins this week, so let’s continue our Edmonton Oilers player preview series. Yesterday we looked at Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and now we focus on the final defenceman on the roster.

Jake Walman had a tumultuous 2025-26 season. He started the season on the injured list and missed the first six games, before scoring the overtime winner in his season debut on Oct. 21 against the Ottawa Senators. He also missed 23 games from Nov. 20 until Jan. 13 after suffering a deep bone bruise from blocking a shot. He played just 53 games, scoring eight goals and adding 20 points. Unfortunately, he had the second-worst plus/minus on the team with a minus-17, just above Andrew Mangiapane’s minus-19. On the plus side, he recorded four assists in six playoff games, so that’s a positive heading into this season.

He was extremely inconsistent, and he’s entering the first season of a massive seven-year deal with a $7 million cap hit. He’s getting paid like a top-four defenceman, but he didn’t play like one last season. The Oilers traded longtime blueliner Darnell Nurse this offseason, who logged big minutes and played an important role. With him gone, Walman must step up and fill that void. He’s expected to take a big step and play an important role this season. Here’s his 2026-27 player preview.

Walman’s Underlying Metrics Were Putrid

Walman was not good enough last season, and his underlying metrics were putrid. When he was on the ice at 5-on-5, the Oilers had 50.88 percent of the shots, but that was the only metric above 50 percent. He was on the ice for just 43.59 percent of the scoring chances, 45.35 percent of the high-danger scoring chances, 34.38 percent of the high-danger goals, and 40.91 percent of the goals. He hurt the team more than he helped. Maybe his injuries affected his play. Hopefully that’s behind him because he needs a major bounce-back season.

Worst Case Scenario

The worst-case scenario is that he replicates last season’s performance, especially with his huge salary increase. He can’t be a negative asset. He made poor reads and decisions with the puck that cost the team. As a result, the opposition had more quality chances, while Edmonton didn’t generate enough. If that continues, he could find himself on the third pair, which isn’t ideal.

Injuries are also a concern. He hasn’t played over 65 games in any season, and with the NHL expanding to 84 games, that could be problematic. Walman is a solid defenceman when he’s healthy, but he hasn’t been able to stay on the ice. The Oilers finally have defensive depth with eight NHL defencemen on the roster to counteract any potential injury.

If he gets under five goals and 20 points, that’s a disappointing offensive season. Also, he must drastically improve his plus/minus. Frankly, minus-17 was unacceptable, and he should be a plus player.

Best Case Scenario

The best-case scenario is that he elevates his game and thrives in an increased role. He averaged 18:45 per game last season, which also included some time on the third pair. If he can stay in the top four, he should average roughly 20 minutes per game. The defence group is versatile, especially on the left side. They can all move around, depending on performance.

The 30-year-old could see some time alongside Evan Bouchard, but will likely start the season with Connor Murphy. He struggled immensely with Murphy, but played his best hockey with Bouchard. While his overall metrics were terrible, they were exceptional with Bouchard. That duo played 59:20 together at 5-on-5 and outscored their opponents 5-4, while outshooting them 43-20. They also had 63.33 percent of the scoring chances. They were good together, so hopefully we see that pairing more.

The Toronto native has a great shot and needs to use it. If he can score 10 goals and add 35 points while playing a full season, that would be a productive campaign.

What should we expect from Walman this season? Keep following The Hockey Writers as we continue the Oilers’ player previews, with just one player remaining.

Advanced stats courtesy of Natural Stat Trick.