Sharks Defenseman Sets Franchise Record; Proof Grier Won Another Trade

San Jose Sharks defenseman Jake Walman set a franchise record against the Edmonton Oilers.

Dean Tait - Sport Shots - Sharks Defenseman Sets Franchise Record; Proof Grier Won Another Trade

On Saturday, Jake Walman earned his 20th assist of the season against the Edmonton Oilers and became the fastest defenseman in San Jose Sharks history to reach that mark since joining the team.

Walman passed Erik Karlsson's record of 34 games to get to 20 assists, which he set in the 2018-19 season.

Walman got the primary assist on Jan Rutta's goal, which gave the Sharks a 2-1 lead. The former Detroit Red Wings defenseman is up to 25 points in 31 games.

He's been a revelation for head coach Ryan Warsofsky, as he is being deployed as the No. 1 defenseman. Walman leads the team in average ice time at 22:50 a game. He leads all Sharks defensemen in scoring and became the 12 defenseman in the NHL this season to reach the 20-assist milestone.

He's often deployed with the top power play unit and is usually on one of the top penalty-killing units. He isn't known for his defense, but he's showing more than some might've projected at the start of the season.

The San Jose Sharks acquired Walman from the Red Wings during the offseason for quite literally nothing...yet. San Jose traded future considerations for Walman AND a second-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft that originally belonged to the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The 28-year-old has already set career-highs in assists and points in just 31 games this season. Walman's previous career high was 21 points (12 goals, nine assists) with the Red Wings last season.

Safe to say, Sharks General Manager Mike Grier found excellent value in this trade.

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