Walman Harbors No Ill Feelings About Red Wings

Defenseman Jake Walman prefers to look at today’s return to Detroit more in terms of renewing friendships rather then rehashing the circumstances of his departure.

“Can’t really change what happened in the past, but take the positives from it,” Walman told San Jose Hockey Now’s Josh Frojelin.

Walman told our sister website that he’s excited to visit with old friends. Two months ago, when the Red Wings visited San Jose, Walman went to dinner Alex DeBrincat, Joe Veleno, Moritz Seider, and Lucas Raymond.

“A lot of good memories will probably be flowing through my head,” Walman said. “It’ll be a happy time and a lot of smiles for me, for sure. Seeing guys I know, seeing people from the city that I know.”

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Last summer, the Red Wings paid the Sharks a second-round pick to take Jake Walman and his $3.4 million cap hit.

The Red Wings’ primary objective was to clear some cap space needed to re-sign existing players such as Moritz Seider, Lucas Raymond and Patrick Kane. At the time, the Red Wings were also interested in signing others that didn’t happen. But there were underlying issues beyond the salary cap. Not everyone in the organization appreciated Walman’s “Griddy” celebration, nor the possibility that it would become part of his routine.  Although it was never a major issue, it’s fair to say management didn’t always like Walman’s approach.

No. 1 in San Jose

No player likes getting dumped by his team, but the situation could not have worked out better for Walman or the Sharks.

He has claimed the role as the team’s No. 1 defenseman, playing a team-leading 22:48 minutes per game. He leads all San Jose defenseman with 26 points in 32 games.

The trade already seems as if it is one of the best deals in Sharks’ history.

“He’s got a personality,” Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky said. “Grown a lot since he’s been here, as far as on and off the ice and where his game is trending. He’s been a big piece to that room and having that swagger what we need to play with.”

But don’t expect Walman to show the Griddy if he scores a goal in tonight’s game (7 p.m., FanDuel Sports Network).

“I gotta change up the celly or something,” Walman said. “My Griddy days might be over, just focusing on other things, being as good as I can.”