Oilers Shouldn’t Panic Over Jake Walman’s Slow Start

It’s been a problem-free start to the season for the most part for the Edmonton Oilers. With a 11-2-3 record, almost everything has gone right; almost because there’s always something or someone to worry about. Defenceman Jake Walman has had a troublesome start to his 2026-27 campaign, with a combination of injuries and subpar defensive play putting him in the spotlight, and there aren’t many signs of progress right now. Fortunately, the Oilers have options when it comes to dealing with the veteran defender.

How We Got Here

Walman joined the Oilers in March 2025 as a trade-deadline acquisition, and he quickly became not only a fan favourite, but an integral part of the team’s second-consecutive run to the Stanley Cup Final. He signed a seven-year extension that offseason worth $7 million per season, and everything was looking great with another piece secured on the back end.

From the moment that deal was signed, however, it seems things have unravelled at a snail’s pace. He had an injury-riddled 2025-26 season, with 20 points in 53 games. Walman did have a stellar 2026 postseason, but the Oilers were bounced in six games. That brings us to this season, where Walman has one point in nine games and has looked a step behind from the beginning. He missed three games early on with injury and has been healthy scratched for three of the past four contests.

This begs the question: what do the two sides do next?

Walman, Oilers Need to Start By Working Together

It may seem like an overreaction this early on, but it’s clear there’s something that isn’t right because a coach doesn’t healthy scratch a $7 million guy for fun. Head coach Mike Babcock has been vague on the situation, essentially saying they’re trying to just put together the best lineup right now. There’s also been speculation about Walman’s motivation and how it could be a factor in why his play has declined. Regardless of the cause, I think the first step is for everyone to work together.

Babcock has clearly come into this season with a new system and a new set of standards, and maybe Walman needs more support with it. He seemed to do fairly well under former head coach Kris Knoblauch for the most part, but this is a new regime and also a couple different blueliners playing around him. If they are going to make things work and help Walman round back into form, it’ll take both sides working together.