Jake Walman likely injured after 2 incidents, heavily reduced ice time vs Tampa
Photo credit: Marc DesRosiers - Imagn Images
Though not officially listed as being injured, Oilers' Jake Walman's ice-time was significantly reduced after blocking shots and taking a hit in last night's game against the Lightening.
Perhaps it was the hard hit from Curtis Douglas half-way thought he 1st-period; or the blocked-shot in the 2nd; or both; but Jake Walman finished the game with only10:03 of ice-time, compared to his usual 20:00-plus TOI.
Analyst comments of defenseman's in-game health status
If there is something to watch coming out of this game in Tampa, it is whether Jake Walman will be okay after taking a hard hit from Curtis Douglas midway through the first period. Douglas hit Walman basically in the numbers, and while it was not an overly devastating check, it definitely looked like No. 96 had something going on with his knee after it happened.
In the second period, Walman also blocked a shot on his other leg that hobbled him for a minute, so our man took plenty of shrapnel against the Lightning. As a result, Walman wasn't really able to finish the game even though he was dressed the whole time, staying in the room after the second intermission before hobbling back to the bench for the third.
In the second period, Walman also blocked a shot on his other leg that hobbled him for a minute, so our man took plenty of shrapnel against the Lightning. As a result, Walman wasn't really able to finish the game even though he was dressed the whole time, staying in the room after the second intermission before hobbling back to the bench for the third.
If he were to be injured, not having Jake Walman in the lineup would hurt the Oilers by removing a skilled puck-moving defenseman crucial for the team's transition game and puck possession.
His absence would likely also lead to a less effective breakout and potentially force other defensemen into a larger, more difficult role.
You may recall that Walman missed the start of the current season due to an undisclosed injury, but was activated from injured reserve and made his season debut on October 22, 2025.
Since then, he's mostly played well, despite the team's defense struggling to find consistency in it's game. Each of the top-4 defensemen has struggled at some point this year.
Last night's game, however, was encouraging as the Oilers played well in all zones, including defense. Called-out of late for the team's lack of fight, Walman stepped-up and played a hard game, sacrificing is body for a result.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 21 | 503 ANSWERS Jake Walman likely injured after 2 incidents, heavily reduced ice time vs Tampa Did Jake Walman appear to be playing hurt last night after the hit from Curtis Douglas? | ||
| yes | 460 | 91.5 % |
| no | 43 | 8.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
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