<p>The Edmonton Oilers recently announced <a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/edmonton-oilers-acquire-jake-walman-from-san-jose-sharks">the acquisition of Jake Walman</a>, trading Carl Berglund and a conditional first-round pick in 2026 to the San Jose Sharks for the blueliner.</p>
<p>The 29-year-old is an offensive defenceman who moves the puck well, has a big point shot, makes a nice stretch pass, and with 32 points in 50 games, he&#8217;s having the best offensive season of his career. There&#8217;s no question that Walman strengthens Edmonton’s blue line and to help you get to know the new Oiler, we&#8217;ve gathered four interesting facts about him below.</p>
<p></p>
<h2>Walman Had a Successful and Accomplished College Career With the Providence Friars</h2>
<p>Walman committed to Providence College in January 2014 before being drafted by the St. Louis Blues at the 2014 NHL Draft. Before playing in the NHL, he had a very prominent college career, playing for the Friars in the Hockey East conference from 2014 to 2017.</p>
<p>In his freshman season, the blueliner’s Friars took on Jack Eichel’s Boston University in the 2015 Frozen Four finals. Providence scored two goals in the championship game in the final nine minutes to complete a late comeback and was<a href="https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/edmonton-oilers-jake-walman-trade-san-jose-sharks"> crowned NCAA national champion in hockey</a> for the first time in program history, with Walman recording four assists in the tournament.</p>
<p>Individually, the D-man grew during the 2015-2016 season, recording 28 points in 27 games. He <a href="https://friars.com/sports/mens-ice-hockey/roster/jake-walman/490">led all NCAA defencemen in goals (13)</a>, points per game (1.01), power-play goals (eight), and game-winning goals (four). He also became the first Friars blueliner to score a hat trick since 1991 and was named a First Team Hockey East All-Star as well as an All-American First Team selection.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/walman_9?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@walman_9</a> is our Hobey Baker nomination once again. Get out and vote for Jake! <a href="https://t.co/ep0yqIANZo">https://t.co/ep0yqIANZo</a> <a href="https://t.co/5Xu50gHg3v">pic.twitter.com/5Xu50gHg3v</a></p>
<p>&mdash; PC Men&#39;s Hockey (@FriarsHockey) <a href="https://twitter.com/FriarsHockey/status/826166309058658305?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2017</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>The next season, he recorded 25 points, earned First Team Hockey East All-Star honours for the second straight year, and was nominated for <a href="https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/nhl-prospect-roundup-shakir-mukhamadullin-can-be-a-big-part-of-the-sharks-future">the 2017 Hobey Baker Award</a>. Additionally, Walman signed his three-year entry-level deal with the Blues after completion of the 2016-17 season with the Friars.</p>
<h2>Walman Had the Choice to Play for Team USA or Team Canada for the 2016 World Juniors</h2>
<p>Walman was born in Toronto, ON, but his mother is American, and he holds dual citizenship, having both Canadian and American passports. Although he suited up for Canada East at the 2013 World Junior A Challenge, he faced a tough decision in the summer of 2015— would he attend the national junior team summer camp for <a href="https://www.ctvnews.ca/sports/article/though-he-picked-us-walman-still-welcome-with-hockey-canada/">Team USA or Team Canada</a>, as he was eligible for both?</p>
<p>He initially chose Team USA, as<a href="https://www.tsn.ca/mckenzie-the-curious-case-of-jake-walman-1.400601"> it was believed he made the choice</a> because he had a better chance of making the team. However, the IIHF ruled him ineligible because he hadn’t played two consecutive seasons in the U.S., which was a requirement he did not meet at the time.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Providence College D Jake Walman, a dual U.S.-CDN citizen who was ruled ineligible as American by IIHF, will be invited to Team CAN camp.</p>
<p>&mdash; Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) <a href="https://twitter.com/TSNBobMcKenzie/status/671705295555420160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2015</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>However, Team Canada welcomed him with open arms, reaching out and inviting him to their camp, which Walman was very excited about. Unfortunately, just days before he was set to join the rest of the players vying for a roster spot at the pre-tournament selection camp, <a href="https://www.sbncollegehockey.com/2015/12/5/9855808/2016-world-juniors-canada-jake-walman-injured">Walman suffered a shoulder injury</a> while playing for Providence after taking an awkward hit. That said, Team Canada could’ve certainly used his offence, as he was leading the Friars in scoring at the time with 19 points in 14 games, and the Canadians finished in sixth place at the 2016 World Juniors.</p>
<h2>Walman Introduced the Griddy Celly to the NHL After Scoring a Clutch OT Goal</h2>
<p>Oil Country has witnessed some memorable goal celebrations, like <a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/oilers-connor-mcdavid-appears-in-700th-nhl-game">Connor McDavid</a> skating toward center ice and dropping to one knee and clenching his fists after eliminating the Calgary Flames in the 2022 playoffs, or when former Oiler <a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/40-moments-the-yakupov-slide">Nail Yakupov slid across the ice in 2013</a> after tying the game against the Los Angeles Kings, as if he had just scored the Cup-winning goal.</p>
<p>Now, Oilers fans may soon have the opportunity to witness the Griddy.</p>
<p>The Griddy dance involves tapping your heels while swinging your arms back and forth, and it gained popularity on TikTok and became <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/jake-walman-does-griddy-to-celebrate-overtime-goal-339274110">widely recognized after several NFL players</a> began using it as a celebration following a touchdown.</p>
<p>Having said that, Walman was the first to bring the Griddy dance to the NHL after scoring a big OT goal and has since done it two more times after scoring two more OT game winners.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jake Walman hits the griddy after scoring the OT winner <a href="https://t.co/18MJ8ustde">pic.twitter.com/18MJ8ustde</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Brady Trettenero (@BradyTrett) <a href="https://twitter.com/BradyTrett/status/1608299489709920257?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2022</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>On Dec. 28, 2022, while Walman was still a member of the Detroit Red Wings, the game was tied 4-4 in overtime when the blueliner jumped into the play and redirected a shot past Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Casey DeSmith. He instantly celebrated by <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/topic/short-shifts/jake-walman-does-griddy-to-celebrate-overtime-goal-339274110">hitting the Griddy for the first time,</a> wearing former Red Wings great Tomas Holmstrom&#8217;s old number 96, the same number, by the way, that Walman will be wearing for the Oilers.</p>
<p>The second time Walman celebrated with the dance was in OT against the Montreal Canadiens on Dec. 2, 2023, when he wired a slapshot past Jake Allen. He then followed it up by silencing the crowd at the Bell Centre before hitting a subtle little Griddy. The third instance came against the Vancouver Canucks on Feb. 10, 2024, when <a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/walman-scores-on-penalty-shot-in-ot-to-give-red-wings-win-over-canucks/">he scored on a penalty shot in OT</a> winning the game again and hitting his signature celebratory dance.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jake Walman hit the griddy after scoring the OT winner 😂🕺 <a href="https://t.co/nGNEJJYGNT">pic.twitter.com/nGNEJJYGNT</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) <a href="https://twitter.com/GinoHard_/status/1731145148258766894?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2023</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>Additionally, here are a couple of interesting tidbits about Walman’s Griddy—netminder Casey DeSmith has been on the unfortunate end of witnessing two Griddy dances firsthand from Walman—the first when DeSmith was a member of the Penguins and the second when he was in net for the Canucks. Also, on Jan. 21, 2023, the <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/red-wings-jake-walman-griddy-bobblehead-doll">Red Wings gave out Walman bobbleheads</a>, which featured Griddy celly arm action, to the first 7,500 fans in attendance at Little Caesars Arena for a game against the Tampa Bay Lightning.</p>
<p>Love it or hate it, I’m all for seeing him pull off the Griddy celly, say, after scoring a clutch OT goal for the Oilers in the upcoming playoffs.</p>
<h2>Walman Made Red Wings History by Scoring OT Penalty Shot Goal</h2>
<p>When Walman was a member of the Red Wings, the game was tied 3-3 on Feb. 10, 2024 against the Canucks, and it went into overtime. In the extra session, Lucas Raymond set Walman up for a breakaway, but the D-man was slashed by Canucks’ captain Quinn Hughes.</p>
<p>The blueliner got a decent shot off on the play, but was denied; however, he was still awarded a penalty shot.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Edmonton, are you ready for Griddy Jake Walman?</p>
<p>BECAUSE I AM! What a pick up! <a href="https://t.co/3HZnNhW4LV">https://t.co/3HZnNhW4LV</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Woz (@itsWozzz) <a href="https://twitter.com/itsWozzz/status/1897807942029660253?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2025</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>He skated in, made a couple of forehand-to-backhand dekes, and snapped home the winner, followed by his signature Griddy celly, as the Wings won 4-3. In the process, <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/vancouver-canucks-detroit-red-wings-game-recap-february-10">he became only the fourth defenceman in NHL history</a> to score on an OT penalty shot, and the first in Red Wings history.</p>
<p>As previously mentioned, Walman is having the best offensive season of his career, and with his Griddy celly, it seems he’s not only adding more offence to the Oilers’ blue line but also bringing some swagger. Overall, what are your thoughts on his acquisition?</p>

The Edmonton Oilers recently announced <a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/edmonton-oilers-acquire-jake-walman-from-san-jose-sharks">the acquisition of Jake Walman</a>, trading Carl Berglund and a conditional first-round pick in 2026 to the San Jose Sharks for the blueliner.

The 29-year-old is an offensive defenceman who moves the puck well, has a big point shot, makes a nice stretch pass, and with 32 points in 50 games, he's having the best offensive season of his career. There's no question that Walman strengthens Edmonton’s blue line and to help you get to know the new Oiler, we've gathered four interesting facts about him below.


<h2>Walman Had a Successful and Accomplished College Career With the Providence Friars</h2>
Walman committed to Providence College in January 2014 before being drafted by the St. Louis Blues at the 2014 NHL Draft. Before playing in the NHL, he had a very prominent college career, playing for the Friars in the Hockey East conference from 2014 to 2017.

In his freshman season, the blueliner’s Friars took on Jack Eichel’s Boston University in the 2015 Frozen Four finals. Providence scored two goals in the championship game in the final nine minutes to complete a late comeback and was<a href="https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/edmonton-oilers-jake-walman-trade-san-jose-sharks"> crowned NCAA national champion in hockey</a> for the first time in program history, with Walman recording four assists in the tournament.

Individually, the D-man grew during the 2015-2016 season, recording 28 points in 27 games. He <a href="https://friars.com/sports/mens-ice-hockey/roster/jake-walman/490">led all NCAA defencemen in goals (13)</a>, points per game (1.01), power-play goals (eight), and game-winning goals (four). He also became the first Friars blueliner to score a hat trick since 1991 and was named a First Team Hockey East All-Star as well as an All-American First Team selection.

https://twitter.com/FriarsHockey/status/826166309058658305

The next season, he recorded 25 points, earned First Team Hockey East All-Star honours for the second straight year, and was nominated for <a href="https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/nhl-prospect-roundup-shakir-mukhamadullin-can-be-a-big-part-of-the-sharks-future">the 2017 Hobey Baker Award</a>. Additionally, Walman signed his three-year entry-level deal with the Blues after completion of the 2016-17 season with the Friars.
<h2>Walman Had the Choice to Play for Team USA or Team Canada for the 2016 World Juniors</h2>
Walman was born in Toronto, ON, but his mother is American, and he holds dual citizenship, having both Canadian and American passports. Although he suited up for Canada East at the 2013 World Junior A Challenge, he faced a tough decision in the summer of 2015— would he attend the national junior team summer camp for <a href="https://www.ctvnews.ca/sports/article/though-he-picked-us-walman-still-welcome-with-hockey-canada/">Team USA or Team Canada</a>, as he was eligible for both?

He initially chose Team USA, as<a href="https://www.tsn.ca/mckenzie-the-curious-case-of-jake-walman-1.400601"> it was believed he made the choice</a> because he had a better chance of making the team. However, the IIHF ruled him ineligible because he hadn’t played two consecutive seasons in the U.S., which was a requirement he did not meet at the time.

https://twitter.com/TSNBobMcKenzie/status/671705295555420160

However, Team Canada welcomed him with open arms, reaching out and inviting him to their camp, which Walman was very excited about. Unfortunately, just days before he was set to join the rest of the players vying for a roster spot at the pre-tournament selection camp, <a href="https://www.sbncollegehockey.com/2015/12/5/9855808/2016-world-juniors-canada-jake-walman-injured">Walman suffered a shoulder injury</a> while playing for Providence after taking an awkward hit. That said, Team Canada could’ve certainly used his offence, as he was leading the Friars in scoring at the time with 19 points in 14 games, and the Canadians finished in sixth place at the 2016 World Juniors.
<h2>Walman Introduced the Griddy Celly to the NHL After Scoring a Clutch OT Goal</h2>
Oil Country has witnessed some memorable goal celebrations, like <a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/oilers-connor-mcdavid-appears-in-700th-nhl-game">Connor McDavid</a> skating toward center ice and dropping to one knee and clenching his fists after eliminating the Calgary Flames in the 2022 playoffs, or when former Oiler <a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/40-moments-the-yakupov-slide">Nail Yakupov slid across the ice in 2013</a> after tying the game against the Los Angeles Kings, as if he had just scored the Cup-winning goal.

Now, Oilers fans may soon have the opportunity to witness the Griddy.

The Griddy dance involves tapping your heels while swinging your arms back and forth, and it gained popularity on TikTok and became <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/jake-walman-does-griddy-to-celebrate-overtime-goal-339274110">widely recognized after several NFL players</a> began using it as a celebration following a touchdown.

Having said that, Walman was the first to bring the Griddy dance to the NHL after scoring a big OT goal and has since done it two more times after scoring two more OT game winners.

https://twitter.com/BradyTrett/status/1608299489709920257

On Dec. 28, 2022, while Walman was still a member of the Detroit Red Wings, the game was tied 4-4 in overtime when the blueliner jumped into the play and redirected a shot past Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Casey DeSmith. He instantly celebrated by <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/topic/short-shifts/jake-walman-does-griddy-to-celebrate-overtime-goal-339274110">hitting the Griddy for the first time,</a> wearing former Red Wings great Tomas Holmstrom's old number 96, the same number, by the way, that Walman will be wearing for the Oilers.

The second time Walman celebrated with the dance was in OT against the Montreal Canadiens on Dec. 2, 2023, when he wired a slapshot past Jake Allen. He then followed it up by silencing the crowd at the Bell Centre before hitting a subtle little Griddy. The third instance came against the Vancouver Canucks on Feb. 10, 2024, when <a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/walman-scores-on-penalty-shot-in-ot-to-give-red-wings-win-over-canucks/">he scored on a penalty shot in OT</a> winning the game again and hitting his signature celebratory dance.

https://twitter.com/GinoHard_/status/1731145148258766894

Additionally, here are a couple of interesting tidbits about Walman’s Griddy—netminder Casey DeSmith has been on the unfortunate end of witnessing two Griddy dances firsthand from Walman—the first when DeSmith was a member of the Penguins and the second when he was in net for the Canucks. Also, on Jan. 21, 2023, the <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/red-wings-jake-walman-griddy-bobblehead-doll">Red Wings gave out Walman bobbleheads</a>, which featured Griddy celly arm action, to the first 7,500 fans in attendance at Little Caesars Arena for a game against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Love it or hate it, I’m all for seeing him pull off the Griddy celly, say, after scoring a clutch OT goal for the Oilers in the upcoming playoffs.
<h2>Walman Made Red Wings History by Scoring OT Penalty Shot Goal</h2>
When Walman was a member of the Red Wings, the game was tied 3-3 on Feb. 10, 2024 against the Canucks, and it went into overtime. In the extra session, Lucas Raymond set Walman up for a breakaway, but the D-man was slashed by Canucks’ captain Quinn Hughes.

The blueliner got a decent shot off on the play, but was denied; however, he was still awarded a penalty shot.

https://twitter.com/itsWozzz/status/1897807942029660253

He skated in, made a couple of forehand-to-backhand dekes, and snapped home the winner, followed by his signature Griddy celly, as the Wings won 4-3. In the process, <a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/vancouver-canucks-detroit-red-wings-game-recap-february-10">he became only the fourth defenceman in NHL history</a> to score on an OT penalty shot, and the first in Red Wings history.

As previously mentioned, Walman is having the best offensive season of his career, and with his Griddy celly, it seems he’s not only adding more offence to the Oilers’ blue line but also bringing some swagger. Overall, what are your thoughts on his acquisition?

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