September 13, 2025 | 6:25pm ET
TheFourthPeriod.com

OILERS, WALMAN DISCUSSING CONTRACT EXTENSION

Jake Walman, defenceman

The Edmonton Oilers have started contract talks with defenceman Jake Walman on a new deal, though an extension is not believed to be imminent.

As reported by Sportsnet’s Mark Spector on Saturday, Walman’s agent Wade Arnott was in Edmonton on Friday and met with the Oilers to discuss a new contract.

Walman, 29, is in the final year of a three-year, $10.2 million contract he signed with the Detroit Red Wings in February 2023 and is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent July 1, 2026.

Spector noted that a contract is not expected to get “done before the (captain Connor McDavid) extension is announced. But things can change.”

Earlier this month, Oilers defenceman Mattias Ekholm acknowledged his desire to stay in Edmonton and ink an extension himself, but also admitted that he understands the team has to take care of its big stars first, alluding to McDavid.

The Oilers acquired Walman from the San Jose Sharks in a trade on March 6.