Ex-Red Wing Walman Signs Former Jersey in Anaheim
Now San Jose Sharks defenseman Jake Walman signs his old Red Wings 96 jersey for a fan before last night's game against the Ducks
Earlier this week, former Red Wings defenseman Jake Walman opened up about the shocking trade that sent him from Detroit to the San Jose Sharks in an interview with The Athletic's Max Bultman, describing himself as "heartbroken" because of the sense of connection he'd felt with not just the Red Wings, but the city of Detroit. Last night's game between the Sharks and Ducks at the Honda Center in Anaheim showed that connection, when the defenseman connected with a young fan in a "96 Walman" Red Wings jersey at warm ups, eventually signing it.
“My heart was there, you know? I wanted to bring that success and passion to Detroit. It was my first time, like I’ve said to you before, that I felt like I was in a place that loved me, and I loved that place," Walman told Bultman. There can be no doubt that Walman was beloved by Red Wings fans, for his contributions on the ice and his eagerness to engage off it. As last night showed, it's still a strongly felt connection, even after Walman's departure (a departure he had no hand in choosing for himself) to San Jose.