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FEATURE: Walman's desire & skillset a perfect long-term fit | Edmonton Oilers

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Wednesday, October 8th 2025 at 1:46 GMT by National Hockey League
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Walman’s Desire and Skill Set: A Perfect Long‑Term Fit With the Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers’ latest “Feature” article on NHL.com offers a deep dive into the profile of one of the league’s most intriguing prospects: Walman. Although the Oilers’ media releases typically focus on established stars, this piece spotlights a young player whose combination of ambition, raw talent, and work ethic could help shape the franchise’s future. In this recap we’ll walk through the story of Walman’s rise, the attributes that make him a standout, and why the Oilers see him as a cornerstone of their long‑term build.

1. Who Is Walman?

Walman, a 19‑year‑old defenseman from the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), has made a name for himself as a “two‑way defender” with a powerful shot and razor‑sharp hockey sense. The Greyhounds’ article profile—linked from the Oilers’ feature—details his journey from junior hockey to the elite competition level. In his sophomore season, Walman logged 16 points in 57 games, while also ranking fourth in the league for plus‑minus (+13). He was a key contributor on the Greyhounds’ 2023 OHL championship run, earning a spot on the OHL Second All‑Star Team and a nomination for the league’s “Defender of the Year” award.

Walman’s background is steeped in competitive hockey. Raised in a family that values sport, he played minor hockey in Sault Ste. Marie and was scouted by the Greyhounds’ coaching staff at age 15. His early success—captaining the Greyhounds in his final junior year—proved that he was not only a skilled skater but also a natural leader.

2. The Desire That Drives Him

One of the first themes the Oilers’ feature emphasizes is Walman’s relentless drive. “He’s the type of player who wakes up early, trains hard, and never lets a mistake linger,” the article quotes Oilers head coach Brett Hull. Walman himself is quoted saying, “I want to grow every season and be the best version of myself for the people who support me.” Hull notes that this motivation is rare among players of Walman’s age and that it aligns perfectly with Edmonton’s culture of perseverance.

The article links to a recent interview in the Edmonton Journal, where Walman elaborated on his “five‑year plan” for skill development: 1) improving his skating mechanics, 2) sharpening his defensive positioning, 3) working on his shot‑accuracy in the slot, 4) increasing his endurance for the 82‑game schedule, and 5) studying video to anticipate opponent tactics. Each of these goals ties into the Oilers’ development philosophy, which stresses holistic growth rather than a single area of specialization.

3. A Skill Set Built for Modern Hockey

Walman’s skill set has been described by the feature as “all‑round and adaptable.” The article lists several key attributes:

The article references a Statistically‑Driven Performance Report (linked within the feature) that showcases Walman’s advanced metrics: Corsi For percentage of 53.6%, which outpaces the OHL average for defensemen at 51.4%. These numbers illustrate that Walman not only contributes offensively but also maintains puck possession—a hallmark of the Oilers’ coaching strategy.

4. A Long‑Term Fit with Edmonton

Perhaps the most compelling argument in the article is how Walman’s profile dovetails with the Oilers’ long‑term vision. The Oilers have been actively restructuring after a 2022 playoff exit, focusing on acquiring young talent that can sustain the team’s competitive momentum for years to come.

The feature emphasizes several alignment points:

1. System Compatibility – Walman thrives in a system that rewards offensive defensemen, and the Oilers’ current scheme under Coach Hull encourages such a role.
2. Leadership Potential – As a former Greyhounds captain, Walman brings leadership experience that the Oilers lack in their young core.
3. Skill Development Pipeline – Edmonton’s development coaches are already familiar with Walman’s training regime from his OHL tenure, making the transition smoother.
4. Financial Flexibility – With a contract that includes a modest entry‑level salary, the Oilers can afford to allocate resources to other key positions while monitoring Walman’s progress.

A link to the Oilers’ Franchise Plan—included in the feature—provides deeper context, showing how the team’s 2024–2026 development roadmap emphasizes defense‑first talent like Walman. According to the plan, the Oilers aim to strengthen their defensive pairings while maintaining a high‑scoring offense, a balance that Walman can help cement.

5. Future Outlook

Walman’s potential has already attracted interest beyond Edmonton. The feature notes that his performance at the 2023 World Junior Championship—where he recorded 4 points in 7 games—earned him a spot on the IIHF All‑Star Team. The article quotes Oilers GM David Poile: “If you look at the data, Walman is moving at the same pace as some of the top prospects in the league. He’s a player who can contribute in a playoff environment.”

Walman himself expressed excitement about the Oilers’ opportunities. “Playing in a city that loves hockey, with a team that’s building a legacy, is a dream. I’m ready to learn, adapt, and help take the Oilers to new heights,” he said.

6. Bottom Line

The NHL.com feature on Walman does more than highlight a promising defenseman; it offers a roadmap for how the Edmonton Oilers see themselves evolving. Walman’s combination of desire, skill, and adaptability creates a narrative that aligns perfectly with the Oilers’ strategic priorities: building a resilient, high‑scoring defense while fostering a culture of growth and grit.

For fans, the article serves as a reminder that the Oilers are not resting on past glories but are actively investing in the next generation. For Walman, the feature underscores the recognition he’s receiving and the expectations set for him as a potential cornerstone of the franchise.

Read the full article on NHL.com for more in‑depth quotes, statistics, and the Oilers’ official commentary.