Oilers Fans Need to Have Faith in Jake Walman

The Edmonton Oilers have seemingly built a core that they believe can take them the distance in the near future. Among the guys they have trusted to be a part of that is Jake Walman. He came in hot as an Oiler, and then had a tough 2025-26 season, which are both things we’ll get into. The bottom line for fans to focus on: you need to have faith in Walman.

He joined the team in a deadline deal in early March 2025 from the San Jose Sharks. Following the Stanley Cup Final run, he was signed to a seven-year extension that kicks in at the outset of the 2026-27 season. There were mixed reviews on the deal, especially now with the way the team’s 2026 Playoffs ended. Here are a few things to consider about Walman that may have been forgotten and will help fans believe in him as a top-four defenceman for Edmonton moving forward.

Elite Playoff Performer

Walman has been a warrior for the Oilers in five playoff rounds. In 2025, he recorded 10 points in 22 contests, including a massive goal in Game 4 of the Cup Final. He also blocked a team-high 66 shots and averaged over 20 minutes of ice time per game. His well-balanced play gave the Oilers a huge boost at a critical time and was ultimately a huge factor in his extension.

JAKE WALMAN RIPS IN THE GOAL TO GIVE THE OILERS THE LEAD. 😱

THE PANTHER CROWD IS STUNNED. 😰

(🎥: @NHL)pic.twitter.com/1l1rkPNvBG

— theScore (@theScore) June 13, 2025

The 2026 Playoffs didn’t go the same as the season prior for Walman. He started hot, with an impressive Game 1 that saw him operating as the team’s top defender at both ends of the ice. However, as he saw more ice time over the next five games, he seemed to struggle; turnovers increased, offensive production and defensive zone physicality decreased. He wasn’t his usual playoff self.

It was a tough end to the season for everyone on the Oilers, so we can’t look too closely at any one guy. Other than a weak few games against the Anaheim Ducks, Walman has been a clutch performer for the team and should be expected to bounce back as such next season.

Injuries Held Walman Back in 2025-26

The up-and-down postseason had to at least be partly affected by Walman’s inconsistent attendance in the Oilers’ lineup in the regular season. He appeared in only 53 games, missing three different periods of time with injury. He typically has good chemistry with the defence core, especially playing well with Ty Emberson down the stretch. Missing 29 games, however, isn’t going to help pairs get better and help coaches work with a consistent lineup.

Obviously, the injuries aren’t Walman’s fault; it’s just simply unfortunate because it hurt his season in a couple different ways. If he can have a healthier 2026-27, the results will definitely be there, and he could have a great season.

New Contract Kicks in and He Knows It

As mentioned, Walman’s new seven-year deal begins this fall. I don’t believe he’s the kind of player to get paid and sit back, though. He’s a player who has been in the league for a long time and understands that more money equals more responsibility. The Oilers paid him and showed faith in him as an elite player, so it’s his turn to really step things up and come through in a pivotal season for the franchise.

Barring injuries, this should be a much-improved season for Walman. His offensive game has always been quietly good, and if he can shore up the defence a bit more, he’ll be seeing more minutes under a new head coach. He’s going to be important to Edmonton for a while, so the belief from everyone around the team needs to be there.