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Former Detroit Red Wings defenseman Jake Walman opens up about facing old teammates

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Jack Sutherland
November 21, 2024  (7:58)
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Former Detroit Red Wings defenseman Jake Walman, best known across the NHL for his infamous "Griddy" celebration after goals, faced his former club for the first time since the stunning offseason trade.

In one of the more surprising moves during the offseason, the Detroit Red Wings unloaded defenseman Jake Walman (as well as a second-round draft selection) to the San Jose Sharks.

The Red Wings received nothing but "future considerations" in return for Walman, a move that continues to puzzle fans to this day.

Monday evening marked the first time that Walman faced his former teammates - but before the on-ice battle, he was sure to see them in a more friendly setting.

I saw some of my best buddies on the team (for dinner) last night. Saw Joe Veleno, Seider, (Lucas Raymond, Alex DeBrincat), couple other guys I wish I saw too.

But as far as the trade away from Detroit just one season into a three-year contract, Walman still doesn't have a good explanation for why he was moved.

Instead, he simply said that perhaps the only person who truly knows why the move was made was Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman.

I think people are still wondering, and I don't think anybody really knows, except for the person that did it.

Walman has already scored twice for the Sharks while adding another 10 assists; he scored a career-high 12 goals last season.

In the matchup against the Red Wings, Walman had an assist in 21:10 of ice time with a +1 rating and three shots.

Despite the confusion, Walman explained that he can't let his emotions get in the way of his job on the ice with his new teammates.

I've got to take the emotions out of it. We're all hockey players. At the end of the day, [trades are] for whatever reason.

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