The Edmonton Oilers have acquired defenseman Jake Walman from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for a conditional first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft and forward prospect Carl Berglund. The 29-year-old Walman is having a standout season, posting six goals and 26 assists in 50 games, marking a career-high 32 points.
He has one season remaining on a three-year, $10.2 million contract he signed with the Detroit Red Wings in February 2023.
The conditional terms of the first-round pick are as follows: If the pick falls within the top 12 selections, the Oilers have the option to transfer their 2027 first-round pick instead. Additionally, if Edmonton trades their 2027 first-round pick before the 2026 trade deadline, the 2026 pick will automatically go to San Jose.
Walman, originally selected by the St. Louis Blues in the third round of the 2014 NHL Draft, has accumulated 83 points (31 goals, 52 assists) over 252 career NHL games with the Blues, Red Wings, and Sharks. His addition is expected to bolster the Oilers’ defense as they continue their pursuit of a strong postseason performance.
For the Sharks, the trade signifies a strategic move to acquire future assets, aligning with their current position in the standings. Berglund, 25, has recorded 12 points (two goals, 10 assists) in 45 games with the AHL’s Bakersfield Condors this season. He is in the final year of his entry-level contract.
This transaction highlights the dynamic nature of NHL roster adjustments as teams aim to strengthen their lineups for the remainder of the season and beyond.
