Is Time Up? Walman Sits Out as Oilers Coach’s Patience Wears Thin

Mike Babcock is sending a message in Edmonton. Jake Walman, the Oilers’ $7 million defenceman, is a healthy scratch tonight against the Calgary Flames. The time for talking is over. Babcock said he’s had the conversations he’s needed to have, hints little has changed, so now it’s time to sit the blueliner.

The coach said when asked by Edmonton media on Wednesday why Walman is out, he has seen the same mistakes on video again and again, with Walman repeatedly finding himself in the wrong spot. Asked how Walman would handle the news, Babcock offered a short reply: “You should ask him.”

The media did ask. “It’s obviously not fun being out… I’ve been through some tough times in my career, but they make me stronger,” Walman said. “I know that for sure, and I believe in myself. So that’s where we are now.” He said he knows he was brought in and signed to be a big piece of the puzzle in Edmonton. Under this coach, the focus needs to be defense first. It’s time he gets back to it.

And Walman hasn’t been very good defensively, which only makes the problem bigger because he’s not scoring either. He has played nine games this season with one assist and a minus-7 rating. As Jason Strudwick pointed out on Struddy’s World, Walman has been somewhat unlucky on some goals against, but even with those removed, he is still underwater, and the offence hasn’t made up for it.

The Oilers Are Done Giving Players Rope

The move follows a similar one involving Trent Frederic. He was scratched just a few games ago, and while he returned to the lineup on Monday, he barely played. The pattern suggests Babcock is willing to sit highly paid veterans who aren’t delivering. The big difference here is that Frederic has been used as a fourth-liner despite being signed to play in the top nine. Walman has a long-term contract and was signed to play a huge role. He is expected to be a top-four defenceman or, at minimum, a steady presence on the third pairing.

Babcock was asked about how he makes the decision, knowing the contract situation. “That’s you guys thinking that,” he said. He suggested it wasn’t his job to think about the money or the contract, only what would help his team win on any given night.

Babcock has said the coaching staff has already spoken to Walman, and that this is another way to get his attention. Whether Walman is frustrated or not, the Oilers appear to want a response. Either do what you’re supposed to, or you’ll quickly run out of opportunities.

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