It’s time for another round of NHL rumours. We’re in the middle of the summer, but there’s plenty to discuss. Many of the signings have already been made and talks now to turn to next year. A number of big-name players could hit the free agent market in the summer of 2026. Some extension talks have already started, but some of these negotiations could be harder than others.
One team that could try to lock up an important player is the Edmonton Oilers. This edition of NHL rumours deals with a key role player and his next contract.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Possible Contracts for Edmonton Oilers Defenceman
Rumour: Kurt Leavins of the Edmonton Journal speculated on what the Oilers might do when it comes to getting defenceman Jake Walman a new contract.
Analysis: Walman came over from the San Jose Sharks and immediately became an important part of the roster. Blueliners line Evan Bouchard get all the headlines. However, the addition of Walman was a massive one for Edmonton.
The Oilers do have one massive concern to take care of. However, Walman’s next contract should be on the to-do list for Oilers General Manager Stan Bowman. A player like Walman will be in high demand if he gets out to the open market.
The 29-year-old is in the last year of a deal that sees him making $3.4 million per season. He’s likely to get substantial raise in the off-season, but the key is to make sure that there’s enough money for Connor McDavid and his massive extension.
The McDavid contract is likely the main thing that’s on Bowman’s brain. However, getting a deal for Walman done before the season would be a massive win for Bowman and the Oilers’ front office.
What It Means
Leavins listed some defenders that draw comparisons to Walman. One of the first names that comes up is Seattle Kraken defenceman Brandon Montour, who signed a free agent deal in the summer of 2024. Montour is getting $7 million and that is the same number that Winnipeg Jets defender Neal Pionk is drawing.
The Oilers beat writer also mentions Vegas Golden Knights blueliner Noah Hanifin as another comparable when it comes to a cap number. Hanifin currently makes $7.35 million with the Golden Knights. That number might go a little further because Nevada does not have a state sales tax.
Walman getting out on the free agent market would cause some problems for the Oilers. He’s established himself as a valuable part of the second power-play unit. We all know that Bouchard is the quarterback of the top power-play unit. However, Walman did a solid job on the second extra-man unit.
Another great season leading the second power-play unit will do wonders for his value when talks commence. Leavins suggested that the Oilers try to get a new deal done before the start of the season. It’s nothing new for the Oilers to get some significant pieces of business done just before the start of the season. The Leon Draisaitl deal got done in September and there’s hope that McDavid and/or Walman could have the same thing happen.
Main photo by: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
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