Oilers defenceman proving $49M contract to be an instant hit
Photo credit: USA Today Sports
The Edmonton Oilers made the decision to pay up to extend defenceman Jake Walman, and he's instantly proving his worth this year.
The Oilers signed Walman to a 7 year, $49M contract extension at the beginning of this season - a price that some thought was a little rich. However, it's looking like great value already.
Jake Walman proving his worth to Edmonton Oilers after signing $49M deal
Unfortunately Walman missed some time at the beginning of the season due to injury, but he's now entered the lineup for 6 games this year.
Not only has Walman's presence instantly settled down the defence, and paired well with Darnell Nurse, he's also been an asset on offence. He's playing a feature role of over 20 minutes a night, and has 6 points in 6 games.
Oilers fans are incredibly impressed with his game so far this season as a force everywhere on the ice. He's been strong defensively, brings a physical game, and excellent offence.
Ever since he was acquired at the trade deadline, Walman's been a seamless fit for the Edmonton Oilers. He's lifted the floor of the defensive unit as a whole, and brings strong underlying numbers to back it up.
If he can keep up this level of play, he'll earn even more appreciation in Oil Country and grow to become a core player of this roster.
Now 29 years old and signed through his prime with the rising salary cap, Walman's contract is looking like a great piece of business for the Oilers - and a staple of a strong Edmonton blueline for the foreseeable future.