NHL Insider Reveals Oilers Could be Prepared to Offer Long-Term Extension to Key Player

Jake Walman has been an immediate contributor for the Edmonton Oilers, quickly proving to be a great pickup on their blueline. The team may now be inclined to sign him as a long-term piece.

Snagged from the San Jose Sharks, Walman wasn't an infamous trade rumor target. Still, Oilers correspondent Bob Stauffer recently explained the team believes Walman to be a vital part of its defense corps down the road.

As Walman is due to become a free agent after next season, the Oilers should pursue an extension agreement.

Walman is signed next season for a modest $3.4 million cap hit. With his solid play, he'll receive a raise, but with the cap increasing, signing him earlier rather than later may be the move.

Despite having played just two games with the Oilers, Walman's two-way play is already winning over the fans and front office. He contributes physical play, sound defending, and excellent puck-moving.

Analytics suggest Walman has been an underutilized defender throughout his NHL career. If he continues to play like this, particularly in the playoffs, a long-term extension would be well worth it.

More promising for Edmonton, however, is that Walman and Mattias Ekholm have not yet shared time on the ice.

Having both in the lineup, the Oilers' defense would have the potential to rank among the league's finest, and Walman would be part of that process.