The Edmonton Oilers have a compelling opportunity to secure Jake Walman, a solid defenseman, on a contract that could become a significant bargain in the coming years. Walman, currently playing under a three-year, $10.2 million contract with a $3.4 million average annual value (AAV), is eligible to sign an extension. With the current CBA rules, the Oilers have an advantage: they can offer Walman an eight-year contract extension, a length that other teams cannot match if he were to become a free agent.

Walman, who will turn 30 next season, is coming off a strong year, having demonstrated his value as a reliable presence on the blue line. Throughout the 2024-25 season, he tallied seven goals and 33 assists, totaling 40 points. After being traded to the Oilers by the San Jose Sharks in March 2025, Walman recorded one goal and seven assists in 15 regular-season games. His performance in the playoffs further solidified his importance to the team, as he contributed two goals and eight assists in 23 games, averaging over 20 minutes of ice time per game. His contributions were particularly notable during the Western Conference Final, where he scored four points in five games.

Given his consistent performance and the potential for continued growth, some analysts suggest that Walman could command a contract of around $7.5 to $8 million per year on the open market. However, the Oilers can capitalize on the unique opportunity to offer him an eight-year deal, potentially at a lower AAV, to secure his long-term commitment.

One potential scenario involves an eight-year contract with an AAV of $6 million, totaling $48 million. This could be an attractive proposition for Walman, providing him with long-term financial security and the chance to compete for the Stanley Cup alongside Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. For the Oilers, such a deal would represent excellent value if Walman maintains his level of play, effectively locking in a top-four defenseman at a cost that could become a bargain as the salary cap rises in the future.

Securing Walman on a long-term deal also mitigates the risk of him testing free agency and potentially commanding a higher salary from other teams. By offering the security of an eight-year contract, the Oilers can provide Walman with peace of mind and ensure he remains a key part of their defensive core for years to come.

Ultimately, the Oilers' ability to sign Jake Walman to a "bargain" contract hinges on convincing him that long-term security and a chance at winning a Stanley Cup outweigh the potential for a slightly higher annual salary on the open market. If the Oilers can successfully convey this message and strike a deal in the range of $6 million AAV over eight years, it could prove to be one of the savviest moves of the offseason, solidifying their blue line and enhancing their chances of contention for years to come.