Possibility that Oilers' 1st-pairing defenseman won't be re-signed

Given the salary cap restraints which most teams face every year, the Oilers may need to decide which of the two defenseman they will keep before next July 1, if indeed it came down to that.

Both Walman and Ekblad are set to become free agents following the 2025-26 season. The Oilers essentially have one year to decide, though it may be less, if a trade deadline move becomes a consideration for the older Mattias Ekblad.

Reports point to Ekblad being the likelier to not be extended, given his 36 years of age, and $6.5M cap hit next year. In 2024-25, Ekholm recorded 9G and 24A in 65 games played, while in the playoffs, he scored 1G and 5A in 7 games. They are decent numbers, but can he produce at the same rate at the age of 37?

Jake Walman, on the other hand, is virtually the opposite of Mattias, in terms of upside. While Ekholm is at the end of his career, Jake still has many years remaining, with a ceiling that has Oilers' management excited about his potential.

At a cap hit of $3.3M in 2025-26, Walman's numbers are more efficient. Between the Sharks and Oilers in 2024-25, he recorded 40 points in 65 games, 7G and 33A. In the
playoffs last year, Jake scored 2G and 8A in 22GP.

In addition to his age and lower cap hit, it's his position that adds the greatest value to the Oilers. Jake's a right-handed defenseman on a team that is lacking right-side D. He becomes even more valuable since GM Stan Bowman has failed to add another RHD to the roster.

It is true that Oilers will be forced to make a decision concerning their two upcoming free agents. Multiple insiders have Jake Walman as the fovourite between the two, and the more obvious choice.