Trade between the Edmonton Oilers and San Jose Sharks officially completed

While the actual player movement happened a year ago, the final draft pick conditions were triggered late Wednesday night following a separate blockbuster deal involving the Chicago Blackhawks.

The Sharks now own Edmonton's 2026 first-round pick unprotected to complete the Jake Walman trade. This development is a direct result of general manager Stan Bowman's aggressive pursuit of roster depth before the Friday deadline.

The 2026 pick had previously been top-12 protected. However, the original trade agreement stated that if Edmonton moved its 2027 first-round pick before the 2026 deadline, the 2026 selection would transfer to San Jose unconditionally.

Because the Oilers sent that 2027 first-rounder to Chicago in the Jason Dickinson deal on Wednesday, the protection on the 2026 pick evaporated. San Jose general manager Mike Grier now holds a massive asset that could land in the lottery if Edmonton stumbles.

Head coach Ryan Huska's former squad, the Calgary Flames, isn't the only team shaking up the Pacific Division. The Oilers are all-in, sacrificing future high-end capital to secure a veteran presence like Dickinson and prospect Colton Dach.

Jake Walman has been a staple on the Edmonton blue line since his arrival, recently signing a seven-year extension. Over his NHL career, the mobile defender has proven his worth, but the cost to acquire him has now grown significantly.

San Jose is the big winner in this technicality. They essentially received an unprotected first-round pick for a player they originally acquired from Detroit for future considerations.

The Oilers are banking on a deep playoff run to ensure that the 2026 pick falls late in the round. If they win it all, the unprotected status won't hurt.

Until the draft goes on, another trade could add a chapter to the story of the Walman trade to Edmonton.

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