Jake Walman’s Pivotal Role Fuels Oilers’ Stanley Cup Final Push

Jake Walman © Pinterest

As the Edmonton Oilers battle the Florida Panthers in the 2025 Stanley Cup Final, defenseman Jake Walman has emerged as a linchpin in their quest for the franchise’s first championship since 1990. Acquired from the San Jose Sharks on March 7, 2025, Walman has exceeded expectations, earning high praise from coach Kris Knoblauch, who declared, “We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Jake.” His standout performance in Edmonton’s 4-3 overtime victory in Game 1 on June 4, 2025, at Rogers Place underscores his critical role. With Game 2 set for June 6, 2025, in Edmonton (8 p.m. ET; CBC, TVAS, SN, TNT, truTV, MAX), this article explores Walman’s impact, his versatile skill set, and his fantasy hockey value in this thrilling rematch.

From Trade Acquisition to Playoff Hero

Walman’s journey to the Stanley Cup Final began with a pivotal trade just days after Oilers defenseman Mattias Ekholm suffered an injury in a 6-2 loss to Anaheim on March 4, 2025. Traded for a conditional 2026 first-round pick and prospect Carl Berglund, Walman filled a gaping hole on Edmonton’s blue line during Ekholm’s absence, which spanned 16 of the final 21 regular-season games and the first 15 playoff games. Walman delivered eight points (one goal, seven assists) in 15 regular-season games and four points (one goal, three assists) in 15 playoff games during that stretch, showcasing his puck-moving prowess and agility.

Since Ekholm’s return, Walman has elevated his game, recording two assists in the 6-3 series-clinching win over Dallas in Game 5 of the Western Conference Final on May 29, 2025, and an assist in Game 1 against Florida. His ability to step up in high-stakes moments has cemented his status as a cornerstone of Edmonton’s defense, with Knoblauch noting his unexpected defensive tenacity and physicality.

Walman’s Multi-Dimensional Impact

Walman’s contributions in Game 1—a 4-3 overtime thriller driven by Leon Draisaitl’s power-play winner—highlighted his all-around game. Despite appearing to injure himself blocking a shot late in the first period, he logged an assist, four blocked shots, three hits, and five shots on goal, demonstrating grit and versatility. Knoblauch praised Walman’s 47 blocked shots, which lead the Oilers this postseason, a “nice surprise” alongside his anticipated offensive flair. His three hits in Game 1, part of the teams’ combined 102 hits, underscore his physical edge, complementing stars like Evander Kane (nine hits).

Walman’s skating agility, ranking in the 85th percentile for even-strength skating distance (36.2 miles, per NHL EDGE), allows him to transition the puck swiftly, creating opportunities for Edmonton’s high-octane offense led by Connor McDavid (26 playoff points) and Draisaitl (27 points). His adaptability—playing both left and right sides with every Oilers defenseman—has been vital, especially on the power play, where he could anchor the first unit if needed. Knoblauch highlighted Walman’s ability to deliver “a little more scoring,” evidenced by his six playoff points (two goals, four assists) in 16 games.

Rising to the Stanley Cup Stage

For Walman, a 27-year-old defenseman with just one prior playoff game (2020-21 with St. Louis), the Stanley Cup Final is a dream realized. “It lived up to the hype,” he told NHL.com, reflecting on Game 1’s intensity. Facing a deeper Florida team than last year’s finalists, with additions like Brad Marchand and Seth Jones, Walman embraces the challenge, noting, “It’s intense, and we’re just putting our best foot forward.” His integration into Edmonton’s tight-knit locker room, which he credits for welcoming him since March, fuels his drive to deliver in what he expects to be “exactly the same” high-stakes games.

Walman’s defensive reliability against Florida’s potent attack, led by Matthew Tkachuk (16 points) and Sam Bennett (11 goals), is crucial. In Game 1, he helped limit Florida’s high-danger chances despite their 6-15 deficit in that category, supporting goaltender Stuart Skinner’s 29 saves. His 47 blocks, including four in Game 1, disrupt Florida’s aggressive forecheck, giving Edmonton’s offense time to regroup.

Fantasy Hockey Value

For fantasy hockey managers, Walman is a hidden gem in the Stanley Cup Final. His multi-category contributions—assists, blocked shots, hits, and shots on goal—make him a valuable depth pick, especially in leagues rewarding physicality. With six playoff points, he outpaces many defensemen, and his 47 blocks lead Edmonton, offering consistent production in that category (over 2.5 blocks in Game 2, +200). His shots (five in Game 1) and power-play potential enhance his appeal, with a prop bet for 0.5 points (+225) offering upside. Compared to teammates like Evan Bouchard (high SOG) or Florida’s Aaron Ekblad (11 points), Walman’s defensive reliability and physicality provide unique value, especially in Edmonton’s 6-1 home playoff environment.

Looking Ahead to Game 2

As the Oilers prepare for Game 2, Walman’s role remains pivotal. Knoblauch expects a sharper performance after a six-day layoff before Game 1, with Walman’s puck-moving skills countering Florida’s technical adjustments to generate more offensive-zone time, as noted by Tkachuk. Facing a Panthers team with an 8-2 road playoff record and a 31-1 mark when leading after the first or second period under coach Paul Maurice (broken in Game 1), Walman’s blocks and hits will be critical to disrupt stars like Bennett and Verhaeghe. His versatility allows Knoblauch to match him against Florida’s top lines or bolster the second power-play unit, maximizing Edmonton’s depth.

Walman’s confidence in his teammates—“I wouldn’t want to be doing it with any other group”—reflects the Oilers’ cohesion, a stark contrast to last year’s injury-riddled Final loss. With three wins separating Edmonton from the Cup, Walman’s ability to replicate Game 1’s impact could tip the scales in this intense rematch.

Conclusion

Jake Walman’s emergence as a defensive cornerstone has propelled the Edmonton Oilers to the brink of Stanley Cup glory in 2025. From filling Ekholm’s void to delivering multi-faceted performances in Game 1, Walman’s blocked shots, physicality, and offensive contributions have earned Knoblauch’s emphatic endorsement. For fantasy managers, his multi-category production offers a strategic edge, while his on-ice tenacity fuels Edmonton’s redemption quest against a formidable Panthers squad. As Game 2 looms, Walman’s continued excellence promises to shape this thrilling series, proving he’s not just a trade acquisition but a playoff hero in the making.

Source: article by Gerry Moddejonge on nhl.com, published June 6, 2025.

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By Vitalina Andrushchenko, Staff Writer