Latest announcement regarding the Edmonton Oilers highlights a Red Wings mistake by Steve Yzerman
Photo credit: Kirthmon F. Dozier / USA TODAY NETWORK
An announcement regarding the Edmonton Oilers highlights a massive mistake made by the Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman.
The Edmonton Oilers have been going to the Stanley Cup Finals for two straight years now, and even if the team isn't perfect, it's hard to argue that the team belongs in the NHL elite.
A recent report from The Athletic placed the Edmonton Oilers' defensive unit among the best in the entire National Hockey League, which highlights a massive mistake made by the Detroit Red Wings general manager, Steve Yzerman.
Steve Yzerman's Mistake Highlighted in New Report About the Oilers
The Oilers recently signed Jake Walman to a seven-year contract extension, confirming his place in the franchise's long-term plans.
But the Oilers only got Walman because Steve Yzerman and the Detroit Red Wings decided to ship him away to the San Jose Sharks for future considerations.
This move was widely criticized and seen by most experts as Steve Yzerman's worst decision, especially after the Sharks traded him to Edmonton for a first-round pick.
According to The Athletic, the Oilers' defensive unit is among the best in the NHL, with a former Red Wing in the middle of it.
Here's what was said about him:
"You need puck movers capable of igniting an attack with this collection of forwards, and Edmonton has that in spades, now featuring one of the best trade deadline acquisitions of the 2024-25 season in Jake Walman."
"Walman's skating, puck-moving, and secondary offensive punch were precisely what the Oilers needed to round out their defense down the stretch last year. He'll likely shift to his off-side and drive Edmonton's second pair this season, which will have a positive knock-on effect on Nurse. Walman and Nurse's results were terrific together in a small sample: 63 percent of shots and an 8-2 goal differential."
"Walman's skating, puck-moving, and secondary offensive punch were precisely what the Oilers needed to round out their defense down the stretch last year. He'll likely shift to his off-side and drive Edmonton's second pair this season, which will have a positive knock-on effect on Nurse. Walman and Nurse's results were terrific together in a small sample: 63 percent of shots and an 8-2 goal differential."
It's safe to say that the Oilers are glad Yzerman let Walman go. He now plays an important role on Edmonton's blue line.
Previously on Red Wings Insider
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