Jake Walman’s name wasn’t the one hockey fans expected to dominate headlines in the middle of summer, but that’s exactly what happened when a prominent NHL analyst sparked a frenzy by quoting a jaw-dropping eight-year deal between the talented defenseman and the Edmonton Oilers. The supposed terms of the projection sent shockwaves through the hockey world, both for the duration of the contract and the message it sends about Edmonton’s long-term ambitions. While there has been no official confirmation of any agreement between Walman and the Oilers, the sheer possibility of such a move has lit up conversations around the league, raising questions about Edmonton’s defensive strategy, salary cap flexibility, and whether Walman truly deserves such a staggering commitment.
At the heart of this development is Walman himself—a 28-year-old blueliner who has carved out a niche as one of the league’s more underappreciated two-way defensemen. Coming off his best NHL season to date with the Detroit Red Wings, Walman recorded a career-high in goals, consistently logged top-four minutes, and emerged as a steadying presence on the blue line. Known for his skating, puck-moving ability, and defensive instincts, Walman has slowly risen through the ranks from a depth piece into a legitimate top-four contributor. And yet, very few saw his next career step potentially involving a long-term, franchise-altering deal with a Stanley Cup contender like the Oilers.
The analyst behind the firestorm is a respected voice in NHL media circles, known for having strong ties to front offices and agents around the league. According to his report, the Oilers are not just considering adding Walman to their roster—they’re allegedly prepared to lock him up for eight years at a total value that could approach \$45 million, depending on performance incentives and cap structuring. The average annual value (AAV) would place Walman among the better-paid second-pairing defensemen in the NHL, a figure that drew equal parts admiration and skepticism from fans and experts alike. For a player who’s only recently stepped into a more prominent role, the deal would represent a massive vote of confidence from an organization desperate to plug holes in its defensive core.
The idea of Edmonton making an aggressive push for defensive reinforcement is not surprising in itself. With Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl in their prime—and Draisaitl’s contract approaching its expiration—the Oilers have been working against the clock to construct a roster capable of winning a Stanley Cup in the immediate future. The team’s offensive firepower is unquestionable, but its Achilles heel has long been the blue line. In past playoff runs, Edmonton’s defensive lapses have repeatedly undermined its offensive brilliance, leading to early exits and frustration across the fanbase. The front office, led by General Manager Jeff Jackson, knows the time for cautious moves is over. This is a win-now window, and any signing—even one as bold as locking up Jake Walman for eight years—can be viewed through that lens.
Critics of the proposed deal point to Walman’s limited track record as a top-tier NHL defenseman. Though his analytics suggest he drives play at both ends of the ice, he has yet to establish a multi-season stretch of elite-level production. That lack of longevity makes an eight-year deal feel speculative at best, especially given how volatile the performance curve can be for NHL defensemen entering their 30s. The Oilers already have significant cap dollars tied to Darnell Nurse, and while Evan Bouchard is expected to eventually command an even larger payday, adding Walman on a long-term deal could complicate future negotiations and limit financial flexibility.
Supporters, however, argue that the very nature of the NHL’s salary cap system encourages smart teams to bet early. If Edmonton believes Walman’s upward trajectory will continue—and that he will solidify their second pairing for nearly a decade—then locking him in at today’s prices may prove to be a savvy move down the road. As the cap rises in coming seasons and average defenseman salaries inflate, Walman’s projected contract could look like a bargain three or four years into the term. Additionally, his style of play—centered around mobility, positioning, and smart puck decisions—is less reliant on raw physicality and therefore potentially more sustainable into his 30s.
The news has also led to rampant speculation about what such a move means for the rest of Edmonton’s defensive unit. Could this spell the end for someone like Brett Kulak, who’s often been shuffled around the lineup? Might it mean a buyout or trade for Cody Ceci to free up cap room? Or does the front office envision Walman as the ideal partner for Evan Bouchard on a long-term pairing that balances offensive and defensive instincts? These are questions that will define the Oilers’ roster construction strategy not just for the 2025-26 season, but for the remainder of the McDavid-Draisaitl era.
There’s also the question of how this potential move plays out emotionally and culturally within the locker room. Edmonton has built its identity around loyalty and internal development, and while Walman would arrive as an outsider, his work ethic and understated demeanor seem like a good fit in a veteran room. Moreover, the Oilers are no strangers to taking big swings—signing Jack Campbell, trading for Mattias Ekholm, and taking a flyer on Evander Kane were all bold moves designed to push the team closer to a championship. Adding Walman could be viewed as the latest in that series, albeit with significantly more long-term implications.
From Walman’s perspective, the projected deal would be life-changing. A player who bounced between the AHL and NHL for several seasons, Walman has had to fight for every opportunity. He was originally drafted by the St. Louis Blues but didn’t find real traction until his time in Detroit. Even there, it took several injuries and coaching changes before he received consistent top-four minutes. The idea that he could now be in line for an eight-year deal with a contending team is a testament to his perseverance, development, and value in the modern NHL. For young players across the league, his journey underscores how quickly the narrative can change when preparation meets opportunity.
Still, this entire situation exists in the realm of projections and hypothetical scenarios—at least for now. The NHL offseason is notorious for its smoke-and-mirrors atmosphere, where agent leaks, misdirection, and speculative commentary often lead to false alarms. It’s possible the Oilers are merely one of several teams interested in Walman and that no deal is imminent. It’s also possible that Detroit, who holds Walman’s rights, could decide to re-sign him and avoid the risk of losing a valuable contributor. But the fact that an analyst with a track record of scoops would float such a specific, long-term number suggests that conversations—formal or informal—may already be underway behind the scenes.
The NHL’s collective bargaining agreement allows teams to sign players to a maximum term of eight years only if they currently own the player’s rights. That detail alone throws a wrench into any idea of Edmonton already finalizing terms unless a sign-and-trade with Detroit is in the works. If Walman were to hit unrestricted free agency, the maximum deal any new team could offer would be seven years. Therefore, any proposed eight-year deal coming from Edmonton implies coordination with the Red Wings, further fueling speculation that the Oilers are actively working behind the scenes to make this happen.
Whether or not the deal ultimately comes to fruition, the mere suggestion of it highlights the kind of calculated risks teams must take in today’s NHL. Edmonton knows its core is in place, and the only missing ingredient is a defensive group that can survive deep postseason runs. Walman might not have the star power of a top-10 defenseman, but he offers reliability, mobility, and an ascending game that fits the modern NHL mold. If the Oilers believe he’s the missing piece, then eight years could be a small price to pay for what they hope is a Stanley Cup window that finally swings wide open.
Only time will tell whether this blockbuster projection becomes reality or fades into offseason myth. But for now, Jake Walman’s name is on everyone’s lips, and the Edmonton Oilers have made it clear they’re not afraid to think big when it comes to building a championship-caliber blue line.
