The Edmonton Oilers signed defenseman Jake Walman to a seven-year contract extension worth $7 million annually on Monday, hours after locking up Connor McDavid. Walman\'s deal begins next season and runs through 2031-32, securing the left-shot blueliner long-term.
Edmonton acquired Walman from the San Jose Sharks before last season\'s trade deadline in exchange for a 2026 first-round pick. The 29-year-old defenseman recorded one goal and eight points in 15 regular-season games after the trade.
Walman appeared in all 22 playoff games as Edmonton reached its second consecutive Stanley Cup Final. He contributed two goals and 10 points while providing versatility on both sides of the blue line and special teams.
The left-shot defenseman proved to be a seamless fit with the Oilers. He demonstrated ability to play multiple roles and increased ice time in critical situations throughout the postseason run.
Walman is projected to play alongside veteran Darnell Nurse on Edmonton\'s second defensive pair this season. The arrangement gives the Oilers a balanced left-right combination and another puck-moving option behind Evan Bouchard.
Walman was limited to one preseason game due to an undisclosed injury. Coach Kris Knoblauch listed him as questionable for Wednesday\'s season opener against Calgary but expects him ready for Saturday\'s game against Vancouver.
He was entering the final year of a three-year contract worth $3.6 million annually signed with Detroit in February 2023. The new extension represents nearly double his previous salary and reflects his value to Edmonton\'s playoff aspirations.
The signing gives Edmonton long-term deals for three top-six defensemen alongside Nurse and Bouchard, who signed a four-year contract worth $10.5 million per season.