Looking at the impact Jake Walman has had on the Oilers’ defence

Additionally, Walman is one of those players whose advanced metrics definitely match the eye test. It took him a game to settle into playoff hockey — he took two penalties in Game 1 last round against L.A., one for being a little too aggressive in front of the net, and another for delay of game after sending the puck over the glass. But since then, he’s settled in, shown poise with the puck, and made several excellent defensive plays, like breaking up a 3-on-2 in Game 1 against the Golden Knights with a great stick check when the Oilers were down by a goal, a play that prevented a Golden Knight from being left all alone in front.

Adding to that, he leads the team with 23 blocked shots and isn’t afraid to sacrifice his body to get in shooting lanes. That said, with Walman, it’s almost like the Oilers have a light 2025 version of the shot-blocking king himself, Kris Russell — except with wheels and a booming shot — a fantastic combination to have. Also, as Baggedmilk summarized, “He’s quietly turning into one of the Oilers’ best defencemen right before our eyes.”

Another thing that stands out to me about the 29-year-old is how well he meshes with the big line when Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are out there — he reads off them perfectly, plays fetch with them seamlessly, and helps keep the pressure alive in the offensive zone.

For example, one under-the-radar play he doesn’t get much credit for came in Game 4 against Los Angeles, when the Oilers were down 3–2 with under a minute left. The puck bounced out to the left side, and had Walman not read the play early and made the decision to pinch, Quinton Byfield might’ve had a step on him and the puck could’ve been cleared out of the zone.

But thanks to Walman’s anticipation and effortless stride, he got to the puck with ease and made a subtle pass to McDavid, who then set up Evan Bouchard. A couple of quick passes later, Bouchard ripped home the one-timer to tie the game. It was a massive goal and it doesn’t happen without Walman reading the play and making that subtle but crucial pass to McDavid.

McDavid and Draisaitl’s Advanced Metrics Improve When Paired with Walman

What’s more, it’s clear the coaching staff likes pairing him with McDavid and Draisaitl — those are the two forwards he’s played with most at even strength. Walman complements their game well, and the Oilers’ forwards actually see their advanced metrics improve when he’s on the ice with them.

Here are some interesting stats when Walman is on the ice with McDavid and Draisaitl at even strength during the playoffs:

In 60:31 minutes of even strength play with McDavid in the playoffs:

• Without Walman, McDavid has a 56.78% xGF. With Walman, his xGF increases to 69.09%.
• McDavid’s SCF% without Walman on the ice is 59.43%, but with Walman, that jumps to 66.67%.
• McDavid also holds a 18-9 advantage in high-danger scoring chances when Walman is on the ice with him at even strength.

In 62:43 minutes of seven strength play with Draisaitl in the playoffs:

• Without Walman, Draisaitl’s xGF stands at 54.48%. With Walman, that jumps to 69.41%.
• Draisaitl’s SCF% without Walman on the ice is 60.92%, but with Walman, it improves significantly to 70.77%.
• Draisaitl also holds a 20-8 edge in high-danger scoring chances when Walman is on the ice with him at even strength.

All things considered, Walman is quietly making a big impact this postseason. The Oilers acquired him at the trade deadline for a first-round draft pick and Carl Berglund, and at this point, it’s starting to look like a steal, especially with him signed for another season after this one.

Admittedly, I didn’t know much about Walman’s game before the Oilers acquired him. What I did know is that he can pull off an epic griddy dance after scoring big goals, showing he’s got a playful side to him. But so far this postseason, it’s been all business. What’s also impressive, is how quickly he’s adapted — just two months into his time with the team, he’s already in sync with the Oilers’ top players, and that chemistry is likely to grow stronger as the Oilers go deeper into the playoffs.