Jake Walman’s Big Opportunity | NHL News

0:00It's September 12th. This is NHL News Today, AI-powered updates on your team. I'm Cory with the story. Alright, let's talk about the Edmonton Orders defense, specifically Jake Walman. Last season, he put up 20 points in 53 games, with a minus 17 rating. That wasn't his best showing, especially considering what he's done in past years. But there's a good chance he bounces back this season. Even though the Oilers playoff run was short, Walman showed flashes of brilliance in those six games. He notched four points and was all over the ice, playing smart hockey on both ends. He really stepped up when the team was dealing with injuries and some players slowing down. Now the Oilers defense is getting a shake up. Darnel nurses gone, and they brought in some new faces like Shakir Mokamadullin and Ryan Shay. These guys will need time to adjust, which means Walman will likely be leaned on even more to hold down the blue line. This also means Walman will have a new defensive partner. It could be one of the new guys, or maybe someone like Conor Murphy or Ty Emerson.

1:04He'll need to find that chemistry, but with a more defensive minded partner, he might be able to push his offensive game a bit more. The biggest factor for Walman is staying healthy. He's dealt with injuries a few times over the past couple of seasons. If he can get a clean bill of health and have a solid summer of rest, he's in a prime position to have a big year, and help the Oilers find more.