NHL News: Oilers defenseman Jake Walman makes heartfelt confession about playing with Connor McDavid

Jake Walman went to sleep one night in last place in the NHL standings and woke up the next morning near the top, now playing for one of the biggest contenders for the Stanley Cup. After being traded from the San Jose Sharks to the Edmonton Oilers, Walman voiced an honest admission about playing alongside star Connor McDavid.

NHL seasons can change in the blink of an eye for players, especially during the trade deadline. Walman experienced just that, as he was dealt in a late trade to the Oilers, joining McDavid and Draisaitl, amid an intense playoff push.

After finishing the 2023-24 season as runner-ups in the NHL, the Oilers are looking to get over the hump and hoist their first Stanley Cup since 1990. With McDavid in the lineup, it’s never far-fetched to believe this could be the year for Edmonton.

Walman has made an immediate impact since arriving in the Oil Capital of Canada. Playing alongside Darnell Nurse on the second defensive pairing, Walman averages 22:02 minutes of time on ice since joining McDavid’s Oilers, and his physicality stands out night after night. As he continues his transition to the roster, Walman made an honest admission about playing with McDavid.

Jake Walman #96 of the Edmonton Oilers skates against the New York Islanders at UBS Arena on March 14, 2025 in Elmont, New York.

“You can compare it to a dream kind of, when you walk in and see things here for the first time,” Walman said during an interview with NHL.com. “I got to pinch myself a little bit. It’s cool for me being back and seeing Connor. I know a bunch of guys from this team and there are some new faces, so I’m excited.”

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Crossed paths

Walman had played both with and against McDavid throughout their youth as they both competed in the Greater Toronto Hockey League. They meet once again in different stages of their careers, but with a common goal.

Big praise

While McDavid has only one thing in his mind— hoisting Lord Stanley— the star center issued a strong message about the new teammate in Edmonton.

“He’s more physical than I thought, that’s what I’ve noticed,” McDavid said. “He has a big body (6-foot-1, 218 pounds), and he skates well. I think everybody knew he was good with the puck, but he’s a little more physical than I thought.”

Connor McDavid #97 of the Edmonton Oilers reacts after his game winning goal against the Dallas Stars during the second overtime in Game One of the Western Conference Final of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The Oilers are currently riding a three-game win streak, which included statement victories over the New York Rangers and Utah Hockey Club, by scores of 3-1 and 7-1, respectively. Up next, they will face the juggernaut Winnipeg Jets in a marquee matchup that could serve as a preview of a potential Western Conference Final during the playoffs.