Sharks' Jake Walman Facing Former Team for the First Time Since Trade
Reunited, and it Feels So Strange
When the San Jose Sharks acquired defenseman Jake Walman from the St. Louis Blues in a trade last November, it was a homecoming of sorts for the 26-year-old. Walman, a Toronto native, played his junior hockey with the nearby Mississauga Steelheads before being drafted by the Blues in the third round of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. Walman spent four seasons with the Blues, appearing in 142 games and recording 25 points. He was a key member of St. Louis' Stanley Cup-winning team in 2019, playing in 21 playoff games. However, he struggled to find a consistent role with the Blues this season, and was eventually traded to the Sharks for a conditional draft pick.
Walman has quickly become a valuable member of the Sharks' blue line, averaging over 20 minutes of ice time per game. He has also chipped in offensively, with 3 goals and 12 assists in 52 games.
On Tuesday, Walman will face his former team for the first time since the trade when the Sharks visit the Blues. It will be a strange experience for Walman, who still has many friends on the St. Louis roster.
What to Expect
The Sharks and Blues are both in the thick of the playoff race, so Tuesday's game is a big one for both teams. The Sharks are currently in third place in the Pacific Division, while the Blues are in second place in the Central Division. Walman is expected to play a key role for the Sharks in this game. He is one of the team's most reliable defensemen, and he is also a threat to score on the power play. The Blues will be looking to get revenge for the trade that sent Walman to San Jose. They are one of the most talented teams in the NHL, and they will be looking to make a statement against their former teammate.Prediction
The Sharks and Blues are two of the best teams in the NHL, so this game is sure to be a close one. The Sharks have a slight edge in terms of experience, but the Blues have more talent. Overall, I think the Sharks will win this game by a score of 3-2. Walman will play a key role in the victory, scoring the game-winning goal on the power play.
