Three Potential Landing Spots for Oilers Defenceman Jake Walman

Jake Walman’s fit in Edmonton has become the central question around his future with the Oilers. He’s been scratched multiple times, and his production and ice time have dipped sharply from the previous season. A move could give Edmonton room to reshape its defence, but the seven-year contract and Walman’s full no-movement clause make any deal complicated.

Through his first 11 games this season, Walman had one assist and averaged 14:15 of ice time. He’s 30, and head coach Mike Babcock has emphasized what Walman does without the puck as the coach works to establish his preferred defensive structure. Walman’s offensive instincts and ability to move the puck may be less useful if they don’t fit the demands of that system.

There’s still a clear case for his value. Walman recorded 40 points in 65 games split between San Jose and Edmonton in 2024-25, showing he can add offence from the blue line. The challenge for Edmonton is finding a team that values those skills enough to take on his contract. His extension is worth seven years and $49 million, with a $7 million annual cap hit through 2032-33. He also has a full no-movement clause through 2029-30, so he would need to approve a trade.

Utah could use his transition game

The Utah Mammoth could have a role for an experienced left-handed defenceman who can carry the puck and help launch attacks. Walman’s skating and transition ability could support Utah’s young offensive core, while his shot and instincts give the team another potential source of offence from the back end.

The fit would depend on how Utah weighs the hockey upside against the term and cost. Walman is approaching his mid-30s by the end of the deal, and a $7 million cap hit would be a substantial commitment for a player whose role in Edmonton has become uncertain. A new setting could help him regain a larger role, but it wouldn’t erase the financial risk.

Hypothetical trade: Utah receives Walman and a 2028 third-round pick; Edmonton receives a 2027 fifth-round pick.

That proposal would give Edmonton some cap flexibility while asking Utah to absorb the contract. The draft picks are part of a speculative framework, not a reported offer, and Utah could seek more compensation before considering a deal of that size.

Toronto offers the clearest style match

Toronto appears to have the most straightforward hockey rationale. The Maple Leafs have sought more mobility and offence from their defence, and general manager John Chayka has identified those attributes as priorities. Walman’s skating, ability to join the rush and powerful shot would address that profile. Daily Faceoff previously identified Walman as a potential Toronto target.

There’s a personal angle, too: Walman is from Toronto. A return to his hometown might appeal, though his no-movement clause means he would have a say in any destination. Toronto would still have to decide whether the offensive upside and stylistic fit justify taking on the contract.

Hypothetical trade: Toronto receives Walman, with Edmonton retaining $1 million annually; Edmonton receives a 2027 third-round pick.

Retaining salary for seven seasons would carry a long cost for Edmonton. Toronto’s proposal would therefore need to offer enough value to make that commitment worthwhile, and the Maple Leafs would need to be comfortable with the remaining cap hit and term.

Philadelphia could use an experienced option

The Philadelphia Flyers have explored ways to strengthen their defence and have been linked to Zach Whitecloud and Simon Edvinsson. Walman would offer a different profile: a left-handed veteran with demonstrated offensive production and playoff experience. His puck movement could help younger forwards receive the puck in better positions, while his experience would add another established player to the blue line.

The question is whether that short-term help fits Philadelphia’s longer view. Walman’s contract runs through 2032-33, and taking it on could limit the Flyers’ options as they build around a younger core. His production in 2024-25 supports the case that he can contribute; his diminished role in Edmonton is a reminder that his fit and deployment matter.

Hypothetical trade: Philadelphia receives Walman and Edmonton’s 2027 second-round pick; Edmonton receives a 2027 fourth-round pick.

In this scenario, Philadelphia would take on the contract and receive a valuable draft asset, while Edmonton would gain cap flexibility at the cost of a second-round selection. The proposal is speculative, and the difference in draft value reflects the price Edmonton might have to pay to move a lengthy commitment.

Toronto fits; Philadelphia may be more practical

Toronto looks like the strongest match on playing style, with a need for puck-moving ability and Walman’s hometown connection adding to the appeal. Philadelphia could be a more workable destination if Edmonton is prepared to attach draft compensation instead of retaining salary. Utah has a plausible role for Walman’s transition game, but the contract would make the decision a significant gamble.

For Edmonton, a trade would be about more than clearing a roster spot. It could open financial room to pursue a defenceman better suited to Babcock’s approach. But Walman controls whether a move happens, and a long contract narrows the pool of potential partners. None of the three proposals reflects reported negotiations; any real path forward would have to account for his approval, the cap hit and what Edmonton is willing to add to the deal.