John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

New Oilers player's number choice will draw criticism from Edmonton media

Originally posted on Oilers Daily | By Liam McCormick | Last updated Mar 8, 2025 12:16 AM ET

The Edmonton Oilers made a fantastic deal to acquire Jake Walman from the San Jose Sharks, but his number choice may draw some criticism from the media.

Walman's stats show that he could potentially be a top four defenceman for the Oilers, getting fans very excited for his addition - and also bringing up some old terrible takes from Oilers media.

Oilers media member criticizes any number choices in the city that Gretzky made 99 famous

Jake Walman has chosen number 96 to wear with the Edmonton Oilers, the same number he's worn in San Jose.

Some old school hockey fans don't love the idea of any players wearing high numbers - it's a general rule that GM Lou Lamoriello instilled to this day. Clearly, Oilers reporter Jim Matheson is among them.

Back when Oilers forward Jesse Puljujarvi wanted to wear the number 98 in Edmonton, Jim Matheson threw a fit about disrespecting Wayne Gretzky. It's entirely illogical because any number that isn't 99, isn't 99. Not to mention, McDavid wears 97!

No it is not OK for a player to wear 98 in the city where 99 was made famous. Don't care if it year Jesse was born. It is a bad look.

Plenty of fans had fun with Matheson's old comments today, roasting his illogical opinion and wondering if he would speak up against Walman's number choice.

It's both hilarious and awesome how passionate Oilers fans are, and also how a legacy media member could come up with such a take. Perhaps 98 being one away from 99 is a little different from 96 or even 97, but at the end of the day, they're just numbers.

Oilers fans should be hyped for a great players they've got in Jake Walman, and hopefully, he can be the piece that complete the Oilers defence in their pursuit of a Stanley Cup.

This article first appeared on Oilers Daily and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: