With the Edmonton Oilers set for a Stanley Cup Final rematch versus the Florida Panthers, attention has turned to a quiet but possibly season-altering strategic adjustment—the emergence of defenseman Jake Walman. His capacity to lead, transition and shut down goals has given the Edmonton Oilers an advantage it did not have in its last playoffs. The 29-year-old has been an unexpected pillar of the team's performance in the 2025 NHL Playoffs .
Jake Walman and Edmonton Oilers' rebuilt defense against Florida Panthers
The Edmonton Oilers have been in this situation before when they overcame a 3-0 deficit against the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final before being defeated in Game 7 last season. Now, they're back with a healthier defensive group and new additions ready to contribute. Jake Walman, whose contributions have been key, leads the team. By Natural Stat Trick's measure, the Jake Walman-John Klingberg tandem has a phenomenal 1.44 goals against per 60 minutes at even strength. That's not only the best on the team but also a significant step up from the team's messy defensive system in 2024.
Florida is a different challenge. But Edmonton's advancements in puck management give them an air of optimism. Jake Walman's composure in pressure situations and John Klingberg's sense of attack have provided Edmonton breakout opportunities that weren't available a year prior. Mattias Ekholm's return to the lineup further strengthens the top-four rotation.
The Edmonton Oilers' makeover didn't happen overnight. Doomed efforts at constructing a puck-movement defense during the regimes of Peter Chiarelli and Ken Holland put the franchise years behind. However, with GM Stan Bowman in charge- a more defined plan has crystallized.
Also read: “We are going to the finals baby”: Connor McDavid's wife Lauren Kyle reacts to Oilers' Game 5 win
Jake Walman isn't exactly a name on everyone's lips yet, but his inclusion in the Edmonton Oilers' backline has remolded the identity of the team at the ideal moment. As they meet the physically imposing Florida Panthers again in the Stanley Cup Final, Edmonton's new defensive depth may become the difference. Whether it will be enough to get the Stanley Cup to Canada is unknown, but the Oilers are certainly better suited this time.
Jake Walman and Edmonton Oilers' rebuilt defense against Florida Panthers
The Edmonton Oilers have been in this situation before when they overcame a 3-0 deficit against the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final before being defeated in Game 7 last season. Now, they're back with a healthier defensive group and new additions ready to contribute. Jake Walman, whose contributions have been key, leads the team. By Natural Stat Trick's measure, the Jake Walman-John Klingberg tandem has a phenomenal 1.44 goals against per 60 minutes at even strength. That's not only the best on the team but also a significant step up from the team's messy defensive system in 2024.
Florida is a different challenge. But Edmonton's advancements in puck management give them an air of optimism. Jake Walman's composure in pressure situations and John Klingberg's sense of attack have provided Edmonton breakout opportunities that weren't available a year prior. Mattias Ekholm's return to the lineup further strengthens the top-four rotation.
The Edmonton Oilers' makeover didn't happen overnight. Doomed efforts at constructing a puck-movement defense during the regimes of Peter Chiarelli and Ken Holland put the franchise years behind. However, with GM Stan Bowman in charge- a more defined plan has crystallized.
Also read: “We are going to the finals baby”: Connor McDavid's wife Lauren Kyle reacts to Oilers' Game 5 win
Jake Walman isn't exactly a name on everyone's lips yet, but his inclusion in the Edmonton Oilers' backline has remolded the identity of the team at the ideal moment. As they meet the physically imposing Florida Panthers again in the Stanley Cup Final, Edmonton's new defensive depth may become the difference. Whether it will be enough to get the Stanley Cup to Canada is unknown, but the Oilers are certainly better suited this time.
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