Jake Walman “blindsided” by trade from Red Wings

Detroit Red Wings fans everywhere remain in a state of mystification after the unexpected and frankly, shocking trade of popular defenseman Jake Walman to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for future considerations. What was equally surprising was that Detroit attached a 2nd round selection that they just acquired in a minor swap with Nashville as part of the deal with the Sharks. 

Walman had just completed what was the first of a three year contract he agreed to prior to this most recent season, and spent much of the 2023-24 campaign playing on the top defensive pairing alongside Moritz Seider. This has led to much speculation as to potential deeper reasons behind the move, whether it was a salary dump in order to have more cap room for an impending splash or if there was something going on behind the scenes that fans and media weren't privy to. 

According to NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman on his latest "32 Thoughts" podcast alongside Jeff Marek, he indicated that Walman was "blindsided" by the trade:

Marek: "Everybody wonders, is Yzerman loading up to do something big here?" 

"I heard he was completely blindsided, he didn't see it coming," Friedman said. "The fact that Yzerman hasn't talked says something to me. The thing about Yzerman it that he doesn't duck, it's not like he's afraid of us. There's a long line of general managers who don't like us. But he will give explanations. I think there's something else coming, and he'll talk to us when it's all over." 

The trade of Walman frees up an additional $3.4 million in salary cap space for Detroit to work with. But the search for answers will continue until Yzerman offers an explanation for the trade that not only stunned Walman, but the fan base. 

Recommended articles:

• Steve Yzerman reportedly interested in an old friend
• Yzerman gets real about the futures of Kane and Gostisbehere.
• Steve Yzerman reveals offseason goaltending plans
• Steve Yzerman gives updates on Moritz Seider, Lucas Raymond, Patrick Kane
• Report: Red Wings interested in Jake Guentzel