Jake Walman Bio
Jake Walman (born February 20, 1996) is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman for the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League (NHL). The Toronto, Ontario, native was drafted 82nd overall by the St. Louis Blues in the 2014 NHL entry draft and has since established himself as an NHL defenceman with stints alongside several franchises. Walman played collegiate hockey at Providence College before beginning his professional career in 2017. He is known for his offensive instincts from the blue line and his ability to contribute in key moments.
Early Life and Background
Jake Walman was born on February 20, 1996, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He grew up in a hockey-rich environment in Canada and later spent significant time in Providence, Rhode Island, where his mother Mary-Anne is from. Walman is Jewish and holds dual citizenship in Canada and the United States through his American mother. His family background includes a notable connection to boxing legend Jake LaMotta, who was his mother’s uncle.
Before pursuing his professional hockey career, Walman played junior hockey with the Toronto Jr. Canadiens in the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL). His strong performances at the junior level caught the attention of college scouts, leading him to commit to Providence College, where he planned to play for the Friars in the Hockey East conference.
Path to Professional Hockey
Prior to beginning his freshman season with Providence College, Walman’s junior hockey talents earned him a selection at the 2014 NHL entry draft. The St. Louis Blues chose him in the third round with the 82nd overall pick. The draft selection represented a significant milestone in his journey toward professional hockey and validated his development through the junior ranks.
Walman continued his development at Providence College, playing for the Friars in the competitive Hockey East conference. After completing the 2016-17 season with the Friars, he made the decision to leave college early and pursue professional hockey. On March 28, 2017, he signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the St. Louis Blues, officially beginning his professional career.
Jake Walman Career
St. Louis Blues (2017–2022)
Walman began his professional career with the Blues organization, primarily playing for their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliates to develop his game. He spent several seasons refining his skills in the minors before earning his opportunity at the NHL level. During this developmental period, he gained valuable experience and adjusted to the professional game’s speed and physicality.
Walman made his NHL debut for the St. Louis Blues during the 2019-20 season. Over three seasons with the Blues, he appeared in 57 NHL games, recording four goals and four assists. While his offensive numbers were modest during this period, he established himself as an NHL-calibre defenceman capable of contributing at the league’s highest level.
Detroit Red Wings (2022–2024)
On March 21, 2022, Walman’s career took a significant turn when the Blues traded him to the Detroit Red Wings. The Blues sent Walman along with Oskar Sundqvist and a second-round pick in the 2023 NHL entry draft to Detroit in exchange for Nick Leddy and Luke Witkowski. The trade represented a new chapter and increased opportunity for Walman.
Walman signed a one-year, $1.05 million contract extension with the Red Wings on August 11, 2022, as a restricted free agent. After beginning the season on injured reserve, he returned to the lineup with an expanded role on the blue line. He formed a notable pairing with fellow defenceman Moritz Seider, one of the league’s promising young players.
A defining moment came on December 28, when Walman scored the overtime-winning goal for the Red Wings against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The goal was particularly dramatic as Detroit had trailed 4-0 in the game before mounting a comeback. Walman’s celebration went viral, featuring the popular “Griddy” dance that resonated across social media and hockey fans worldwide.
His strong performance earned him a significant contract extension. On February 28, 2023, Walman signed a three-year, $10.2 million contract with the Red Wings, solidifying his place as a core member of Detroit’s defensive corps.
San Jose Sharks (2024–2025)
On June 25, 2024, Walman’s tenure with the Red Wings ended when Detroit traded him to the San Jose Sharks. The Sharks acquired Walman along with a second-round pick in the 2024 NHL entry draft in exchange for future considerations. The trade brought Walman to the Pacific Division, where he continued his NHL career with a different franchise.
Edmonton Oilers (2025–Present)
On March 6, 2025, Walman was traded again, this time to the Edmonton Oilers. The Oilers acquired him from the Sharks in exchange for Carl Berglund and a conditional first-round pick in the 2026 NHL entry draft. Joining the Oilers positioned Walman as a contributor to a team with Stanley Cup aspirations in the Western Conference.
Playing Style and Strengths
Walman plays as a left-handed shooting defenceman known for his ability to contribute offensively from the blue line. His skill set includes strong puck movement, good mobility, and the ability to join the rush. He has shown a knack for scoring clutch goals, as evidenced by his overtime winner against Pittsburgh and consistent goal contributions throughout his career. His partnership with promising young defencemen like Moritz Seider in Detroit highlighted his ability to complement mobile, two-way defenders.
Notable Events and Milestones
Beyond his regular-season accomplishments, Walman’s career has been marked by several memorable moments. His viral “Griddy” celebration after the comeback overtime win against Pittsburgh became one of the more talked-about moments of the 2022-23 NHL season. His journey through four NHL franchises in relatively short order demonstrates his value as a reliable defenceman capable of fitting into different team systems and cultures.
Jake Walman Career Statistics
Walman’s NHL career spans multiple seasons with three teams before joining Edmonton. He has accumulated goals and assists through consistent playing time, developing from a prospect into a reliable NHL defenceman who contributes both offensively and defensively.
Major Career Milestones
Walman’s most significant career milestone remains his overtime victory against the Pittsburgh Penguins on December 28, a game that showcased his ability to perform in high-pressure situations. His career trajectory includes the transition from college hockey directly to professional, being drafted in the third round, and earning a multi-year, multi-million dollar extension with Detroit before being traded to contenders in San Jose and Edmonton.
Jake Walman Family
Family Background and Hockey Connections
Jake Walman’s family background includes notable connections beyond hockey. His mother, Mary-Anne Walman, is a native of Providence, Rhode Island, which provided Jake with American citizenship. Through this connection, Jake Walman is related to boxing legend Jake LaMotta, who was his mother’s uncle. This family tie to a Hall of Fame boxer gives Walman a unique connection to sports history beyond his own hockey career.
Personal Life
Walman is Jewish and has spoken about his heritage with pride. He holds dual citizenship in both Canada and the United States, reflecting his Canadian birth and American family connections through his mother. Prior to his hockey career, Walman trained exclusively in the Canadian hockey system before attending Providence College in Rhode Island. His international hockey experiences have been affected by the International Ice Hockey Federation’s eligibility rules, which prevented him from representing the United States despite living in the country for an extended period.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marks a new chapter in Jake Walman’s career as he joins the Edmonton Oilers organization. After being acquired from the San Jose Sharks in March 2025, Walman integrates into an Oilers team with established star players and clear championship ambitions. His defensive abilities and offensive upside provide Edmonton with depth on the blue line as they pursue a deep playoff run.
Walman’s career path through St. Louis, Detroit, and San Jose before arriving in Edmonton has prepared him for the opportunity to compete for a Stanley Cup with a perennial contender. His ability to log meaningful minutes and contribute offensively makes him a valuable asset on Edmonton’s defensive corps. The trade to acquire him cost the Oilers a conditional first-round pick and Carl Berglund, indicating the organization’s belief in his ability to help them win now.