The Edmonton Oilers’ left side heats up as Bob Stauffer eyes Jake Walman, Mattias Ekholm, and Mac Gadowsky

The Edmonton Oilers are creating a lot of excitement this offseason, and it’s not only about their standout forwards. Bob Stauffer, a leading NHL insider and host of Oilers Now, has just returned from his vacation with a ton of intriguing updates about the team’s defensive plans. Among his insights: the Oilers are keen on securing key left-shot defensemen Jake Walman and Mattias Ekholm with contract extensions, and they’re also keeping an eye on Mac Gadowsky, a rising star from Penn State, as a potential future addition.

Mattias Ekholm returned when the Edmonton Oilers needed him most

Since Mattias Ekholm joined the Oilers in 2023, he has been a dependable player, bringing veteran experience and solid two-way skills to the left side. However, last season was a real test of his durability. A groin injury caused him to miss 16 of the last 21 regular-season games and the first 15 playoff games. He came back for the Stanley Cup Final and did a great job, but at 35, people are still wondering how much he has left in him.


Despite this, Stauffer hinted at a possible extension. “It wouldn’t surprise me if the Oilers extended Mattias Ekholm, maybe even this summer,” He pointed out during "Oilers Now" that Ekholm's ability to deal with challenging minutes and his experience are essential, especially for a team aiming for the championship.

Penn State star Mac Gadowsky may become a key target for the Edmonton Oilers

The most surprising name that Stauffer mentioned was Mac Gadowsky, a 6’3”, 200-pound left-shot defenseman who’s making quite an impact in the NCAA. During his sophomore year last season, Gadowsky was among the leading offensive defensemen in college hockey. Now at Penn State where his father, Guy Gadowsky, serves as head coach, he’s set to catch the eye of NHL scouts. Stauffer suggested he might be a good match for the Oilers, “Remember that name, Mac Gadowsky… He’s going to be one of the targets for teams out there. I might know a team.”

The Oilers, thanks to their "experience on the left side", might view Gadowsky as a solid long-term investment. His size and offensive skills make him a really appealing prospect, and Stauffer’s comment hints that the team could go after him as soon as next summer when he’s eligible to sign.

Jake Walman proves his worth after trade from the San Jose Sharks

Jake Walman has really impressed since he came to the Oilers from the San Jose Sharks in a trade on March 7, 2025. In that deal, Edmonton gave up a conditional first-round pick for the 2026 NHL Draft and forward prospect Carl Berglund—a hefty price that Walman has more than earned with his performance. When Mattias Ekholm got injured last season, Walman filled in admirably, racking up eight points (one goal, seven assists) in 15 regular-season games and four points in 15 playoff games. His smooth skating and ability to move the puck have made him an essential part of the Oilers’ defense.


“He’s going to get extended too. You could pretty much bet on that,” he shared. He even hinted that Walman, who plays left defense, might move to the right side, showcasing his adaptability. With a cap hit of $3.4 million for another season, Walman's next deal could fall between $6 and $7 million per year, depending on the length, which shows his rise as a late-blooming Top 4 defenseman.

Also Read: Wayne Gretzky boldly declared 18-year-old Connor McDavid the perfect star for a new NHL generation


As the offseason unfolds—potentially after Leon Draisaitl’s wedding in early August, as Stauffer suggested—these moves could take shape alongside the much-anticipated Connor McDavid extension. For now, the Oilers’ left side is heating up, and fans have plenty to chew on as they await the next chapter in Edmonton’s Stanley Cup chase.

FAQs

What did the Oilers trade to acquire Jake Walman?

The Oilers gave up a conditional 2026 first-round pick and forward prospect Carl Berglund.

What is Jake Walman’s current salary cap hit?

His current cap hit is $3.4 million for one more season.

Why was Jake Walman considered a great trade for the Oilers?

He filled a crucial gap in defense and performed well in both regular season and playoffs.


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