A look at the Edmonton Oilers' depth chart suggests that the team has plenty of decent defenders as it prepares for a Stanley Cup Playoff run and the risk of injury that always comes with it. But the chart tells another story, and one that's slightly more concerning for the future.
Jake Walman sits at the bottom of the depth chart of left defensemen. Arguably he can play both sides, and would be ranked ahead of Ty Emberson, but Walman's current status is worrisome given the large raise he's getting as of next September.
Limiting flexibility
Walman signed a 7-year, $49 million extension that kicks in next season. He's 30 years of age today. The contract will almost surely see a decline in play over its term, and it makes Walman yet another piece that Oilers management will not be able to move. The team's willingness to hand out term, often along with No Movement clauses, might make negotiations easier, but it makes the Oilers less agile and historically has meant they aren't in the market for the top rentals available at the deadline.
Darnell Nurse is overpaid for his production and ability, and everyone knows that the Trent Frederic extension was a massive mistake. Jack Campbell's buyout will continue to limit cap space until 2029. Adding Walman as another potential albatross will only make it harder to build a truly competitive roster during what remains of the McDavid/Draisaitl championship window.
Maybe there's a solution
Walman has taken a step back this season. In the prior year, he was a net positive presence on the ice, contributing scoring (10 points in last year's 22 game playoff run) and playing well in a top 4 D-man role. But he's also dealt with injury. He's far from the first player who, with the best of intentions, hurried back to the ice before they were completely healed, and got themselves exposed as a result. He has it in him to be better.
The fix is up to Walman himself. As noted above, he's unlikely to be worth the money by Year 7 of the deal, but that isn't really what matters today. If Walman, in limited minutes, can play like a second pairing defenseman, adding depth where the team needs it most down the stretch and into the playoffs, then there is still a short term benefit from having him in orange and blue. And if the Oilers win the Stanley Cup, then every overpayment will be forgiven and forgotten.