Mike Babcock sends blunt message as Oilers prepare to scratch $7 million defenseman
Photo credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Jake Walman is being scratched by the Oilers for Wednesday night's game against the Flames, and head coach Mike Babcock has explained why.
According to a post by "Bleed Oil Blue," Babcock has repeatedly noticed the same mistakes while reviewing game footage.
Walman keeps finding himself in the wrong position, and the coaching staff clearly wants those problems corrected.
When asked how Walman would handle being removed from the lineup, Babcock delivered a particularly blunt response:
"You should ask him."
- Mike Babcock
- Mike Babcock
That's quite a statement from the Oilers' head coach, especially considering how much Edmonton has invested in Walman.
Jake Walman's $7 Million Contract Adds Pressure to Mike Babcock's Decision
The decision didn't come out of nowhere.
Walman was briefly benched against Vancouver earlier this season.
Against Detroit on Monday, he played just 13 minutes and 16 seconds.
He then skated as the seventh defenceman at Tuesday's practice.
According to "Oilersnation", Shakir Mukhamadullin has also been making a strong case for more playing time.
Walman, 30, is in the first season of a seven-year, $49 million contract carrying a $7 million annual cap hit.
He has recorded just one assist in nine games this season.
For a player earning that kind of money, expectations are understandably high.
Edmonton needs Walman to provide reliable defensive minutes, particularly as Babcock works to establish a more structured system.
A healthy scratch doesn't necessarily mean Walman's role is permanently reduced.
However, the message is clear: reputation and salary won't guarantee playing time under Babcock.
Now the question is how Walman responds when he gets his next opportunity.
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