Edmonton Oilers Acquire Jake Walman from San Jose Sharks in Trade for Pick, Prospect

The Edmonton Oilers bolstered their blue line on Friday, acquiring 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 trade gives Edmonton a seasoned player in the midst of a standout season, while the Sharks add future assets to their rebuilding efforts.

Trade Details and Conditions

The centerpiece of the deal is the conditional 2026 first-round pick. Should that selection land in the top 12, the Oilers retain the option to send their 2027 first-round pick to San Jose instead. However, if Edmonton trades their 2027 first-round pick before the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline, the 2026 pick will automatically transfer to the Sharks, regardless of its position. This flexibility provides both teams with strategic options as the draft landscape evolves.

Jake Walman’s Impact

Walman, 29, joins the Oilers riding a career-best season. In his first year with San Jose, the defenseman has notched 32 points (six goals, 26 assists) in 50 games—a personal high in the NHL. Known for his offensive instincts and reliable play, Walman adds depth and scoring punch to Edmonton’s defensive corps.

Originally drafted by the St. Louis Blues in the third round (No. 82 overall) of the 2014 NHL Draft, Walman has accumulated 83 points (31 goals, 52 assists) across 252 regular-season games with the Blues, Detroit Red Wings, and Sharks. His postseason experience, however, is limited to a single Stanley Cup Playoff appearance.

Walman remains under contract through the 2025-26 season, carrying a $3.4 million annual average value (AAV) from a three-year, $10.2 million deal he signed with Detroit on February 28, 2023. His cost-controlled term makes him an attractive addition for the Oilers as they push for playoff contention.

Carl Berglund: The Prospect Heading to San Jose

In addition to the draft pick, the Sharks acquire 25-year-old forward Carl Berglund, who has spent this season with the AHL’s Bakersfield Condors. Berglund has recorded 12 points (two goals, 10 assists) in 45 games, showing promise as a depth player. Signed by Edmonton as an undrafted free agent on March 22, 2023, he’s in the final year of a two-year entry-level contract. For San Jose, Berglund represents another piece in their ongoing youth movement.

Team Standings and Context

The Oilers (36-22-4) sit second in the Pacific Division, four points behind the Vegas Golden Knights and five ahead of the Los Angeles Kings. With the trade deadline approaching, Walman’s arrival signals Edmonton’s intent to strengthen their roster for a deep postseason run.

Conversely, the Sharks (17-38-9) languish at the bottom of the NHL standings. Trading Walman, a productive veteran, aligns with their focus on accumulating draft capital and prospects as part of a broader rebuild.

Looking Ahead

For Edmonton, Walman’s offensive flair and contract stability could prove pivotal as they chase the Pacific Division crown. For San Jose, the conditional first-round pick and Berglund offer hope for a brighter future. As the 2025 trade landscape unfolds, this deal marks a significant move for both franchises with their sights set on divergent goals.

By Vitalina Andrushchenko, Staff Writer