2023 NHL Trade Grades: How the Oilers’ Bold Move for Jake Walman Strengthens Their Defense

The Athletic is covering the 2025 NHL trade deadline live. Here’s a recap of a notable trade:

Oilers receive: Defenseman Jake Walman

Sharks receive: Conditional first-round pick in 2026, forward Carl Berglund

Shayna Goldman points out an interesting twist—Steve Yzerman and the Red Wings didn’t charge a second-round pick to move Walman. Instead, the Sharks secured a first-rounder for him. This suggests that Walman has more value than expected.

Walman’s trade from Detroit wasn’t a reflection of his ability. He had a standout season in San Jose, taking on tough defensive tasks despite being on a rebuilding team. He held his own, contributing to both offensive and defensive plays.

With the Oilers, Walman’s role will shift. They don’t need him to be the top defenseman, which may help him focus on his game and improve certain areas, like defending against zone entries.

Edmonton can benefit from having a versatile player like Walman. His presence is crucial as not every defender in their lineup can take on more responsibility. Having an extra left-handed defenseman might be helpful, especially if Mattias Ekholm struggles further.

Investing a first-round pick for a player not expected to be a top pair is significant. However, Walman’s contract is affordable for another year, making him a solid option if Ekholm’s performance continues to decline.

On the other hand, for the Sharks, this trade was smart business. They are capitalizing on their salary space to acquire picks, similar to previous trades they’ve made. By moving Walman, they’re focusing on a rebuilding strategy, collecting draft picks to strengthen their future.

The downside of this move is losing a key player. Rebuilding can be tough, and management must balance between losing games and developing young talent. It’s crucial for the Sharks to bring in some experienced players to support their younger team members as they grow.

Oilers grade: B+
Sharks grade: A-

Harman Dayal notes Edmonton’s defensive struggles during the playoffs last year. They lacked depth beyond their top defenders, which affected their performance. The second pair of Darnell Nurse and Cody Ceci often struggled, especially when Philip Broberg left for a different team.

Walman may not fit perfectly into the lineup, but he’s definitely an improvement. His skill set is valuable, considering he has another year on a manageable contract.

Known for excellent skating and puck movement, Walman previously broke out as a reliable defender with the Red Wings. After being traded to the Sharks, he rebounded well and is now ready to make a bigger impact in Edmonton.

While some believe the Oilers need a more defensive-minded player, Walman can actually help reduce the time spent defending. Last year, their defense struggled more with puck movement than with defense itself.

In Edmonton, Walman would face less challenging matchups, which could enhance his defensive play. He has the potential to thrive without the pressure of defending top players.

Going forward, the Oilers can use him alongside Nurse or let him lead his own pair while using Brett Kulak effectively. This flexibility will strengthen their defensive lineup.

For the Sharks, General Manager Mike Grier has done well in turning a previous low-value trade into a first-round pick. Despite the risk of losing a veteran player, the advantage of gaining a first-round pick made the trade compelling.

Carl Berglund, who joined the Sharks, has not shown standout statistics, which may not add immediate value. However, this move aligns with their long-term rebuilding strategy.

As they continue to gather assets, the Sharks need to focus on building a competitive team around their emerging talents, especially in defense, before the next season.

Oilers grade: B+
Sharks grade: A-

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Edmonton Oilers, San Jose Sharks, NHL