The Daily: Ex-Red Wing Rejoins Oilers; Hellberg is Nemesis

Defenseman Jake Walman, who missed the last five games of the regular season with an undisclosed injury, says he’s ready to rejoin the Edmonton Oilers lineup tonight when they play Game 1 of their playoff series against the Los Angeles Kings.

The former Red Wings player will be on Edmonton’s second defensive pairing and may be on the second power play unit as well.

The Walman presence is important for an Oilers team that was a middle of the pack defensive team this season. Walman showed eight points in 15 games for the Oilers after they acquired him from San Jose for a a conditional 2026 first-round pick. He also was plus-5.  Walman’s only postseason experience was one game for the St. Louis Blues in 2020-21.

Two other players who played on last season’s Red Wings have already played in this year’s NHL playoffs. Daniel Sprong was minus-1 in 11:07 of playing time for New Jersey in a 4-1 loss to Carolina. David Perron registered one assist, three shots on goal and three hits in 15:15 of playing time for Ottawa in a 6-2 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Goalie Alex Lyon understands that he will have to look elsewhere for an NHL job.

It’s in the Red Wings’ best interest to get Patrick Kane signed quickly. GM Steve Yzerman would be easier if he knows exactly how much money he has for a free agent purchase.

The Grand Rapids Griffins have earned an AHL first round playoff bye. They will play the Texas Stars in a best-of-five divisional semifinal. starting Tuesday April 29.

Red Wings Extra

The Texas Stars player who had caused the Grand Rapids Griffins issues this season is one Red Wings fans know well. Former Detroit and Grand Rapids player Magnus Hellberg was 4-2-0 with one shutout, a 2.15 GAA and a .916 SV% in six contests against Grand Rapids in the regular-season. The Griffins did beat them 5-2 at Van Andel Arena 10 days ago.

Hockey Now Network

Chicago:  Coach Anders Sorensen deserves praise after a challenging season. Chicago Blackhawks. 

Colorado: Mackenzie Blackwood was spectacular in his first NHL playoff opportunity. Colorado Avalanche.

Florida: George Richards wrote that Brad Marchand could provide the added playoff juice the Panthers may need. Imagine a line with Marchand, Sam Bennett and Matthew Tkachuk. Florida Panthers.

Pittsburgh: Will the Penguins move Rickard Rakell? Many teams are interested. The Red Wings should be if they are not. He scored 35 goals last season. Pittsburgh Penguins.