Sharks reveal true thoughts on Jake Walman before 1st game back in Detroit since stunning trade
Ex-Red Wings defenseman Jake Walman makes his return to Detroit for the 1st time since the stunning summer trade, and Sharks players are revealing their thoughts.
The Detroit Red Wings take on the San Jose Sharks tonight at Little Caesars Arena (7:00, FanDuel Sports Detroit, 97.1 The Ticket), and they'll be aiming to win 8-straight games for the 1st time since their last Stanley Cup-winning season of 2007-08.
Tonight also marks the return of former Red Wings defenseman Jake Walman to Detroit since the stunning summer trade that sent him (along with a 2nd round draft pick) to the Sharks in exchange for nothing.
Since then, he's led the Sharks in scoring by a defenseman with 26 points (5G, 21A).
Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky described Walman as an important piece of their lineup that leaves a considerable absence when he was unavailable.
Good trade, right? He's been noticeable when he's in our lineup, and when he's not, we miss him. He's been important for us. Last game, he helped us break out pucks and close in the defensive zone. There is obviously some offense to his game. So he's been a good piece.
He's got a personality. He's got some swagger about himself. He knows he's an elite skater. He knows he can make plays, he wants the puck on his stick, and he's got a personality and a swagger to back it up.
Jake Walman said that he was heartbroken by the trade from Red Wings
Walman, who had just completed the 1st year of a 3-year contract he signed with the Red Wings, was caught completely off-guard by the trade, and later said that he was left "heartbroken" by the unexpected change in circumstances.
I just thought I'd built such a strong foundation in Detroit, not just with the team but in Detroit. My heart was there, you know?
I wanted to bring that success and passion to Detroit. It was my first time, like I've said to you before, that I felt like I was in a place that loved me, and I loved that place.
It was my first time feeling comfortable in a city. That was it, kind of just over in a flash, like that.
POLL |
14 HOURS AGO | 104 ANSWERS Sharks reveal true thoughts on Jake Walman before 1st game back in Detroit since stunning trade Should former Red Wings defenseman Jake Walman break out the "Griddy" if he scores? |
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Previously on Red Wings Insider