San Jose Sharks defenseman Jake Walman told reporters that he was surprised by the trade but is excited about the opportunity to play with top-tier prospects.
San Jose Sharks defenseman Jake Walman told reporters that he was surprised by the trade but is excited about the opportunity to play with top-tier prospects.
San Jose Sharks defenseman Jake Walman told reporters that he was surprised by the trade but is excited about the opportunity to play with top-tier prospects.
When he found out he had been traded, Walman was on his way to Las Vegas for NHLPA meetings as the Detroit Red Wings representative. When GM Steve Yzerman called, Walman said he knew the only reason was that he had been traded.
"He didn't really have any reason to call me other than, I guess, to tell me I was traded," Walman said. "It started off [with], how was my summer going and then waiting for him to get to the point, and when he told me, it was almost like a little bit surreal. I didn't think that trade was in the equation, but it almost felt like a dream. Once it kind of settled in my head, I called my family and told them. I called my brother and my best friends, and off I was with my thoughts."
Walman said he is excited to play in San Jose after taking time to let the trade settle in his head. He still went to Las Vegas and ran into Joe Thronton. Walman said the "vibe" around the Sharks excited him.
"I've always said I want to play where I feel wanted," Walman explained. "I just really got vibes from Mike Grier and everyone. I'm a vibey person, and you can't compare that feeling."
Walman's iconic on-ice Griddy celebration was partly started to help raise charity money. When asked if his iconic celebration was coming to San Jose, the 28-year-old said yes and more. He also had a message for Macklin Celebrini and the other young stars on the Sharks.
Walman said his favorite player growing up was Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin. He said he takes a lot of inspiration from his passion and love for the game to his celebrations.
"My favorite player growing up was Alex Ovechkin. I just saw his crazy celebrations and how fired up he got when he scored, and stuff was going well for his team. That's kind of why I first started celebrating," Walman said. "I get those 90% of [positive] messages from parents [who] send me videos of their kids doing it on the ice and other kids doing it. People wear 96 jerseys, and their kids do it after they score or want to play hockey. That's really what I do. It is just trying to grow the game."
Walman will have a significant role with the Sharks on a top defense pair. He scored 11 goals last season and will look to better a somewhat remade Sharks blue line.
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