'I feel that I'm wanted here': Walman, with extension, excited for future

OTTAWA -- It didn't take long for Jake Walman to become a key part of the Detroit Red Wings' defensive corps, and the club wasted little time ensuring the 27-year-old will continue to play a pivotal role on its blue line for years to come.

On Tuesday morning, the Red Wings officially announced a three-year contract extension for Walman, who said he's thrilled to continue to don the Winged Wheel.
"I was brought into a good opportunity," Walman said on Tuesday night at Canadian Tire Centre. "Last year, I got a little taste of it. I've always said that I like to play where I'm wanted and I feel that I'm wanted here in Detroit. Not just by the coaches and teammates, but the city of Detroit. It's been great. I think our fans are unreal and I'm really excited to play and put on for the city."

Walman was acquired via trade with the St. Louis Blues on March 21, 2022, and tallied four assists in 19 games with Detroit last season. He also appeared in 32 games for the Blues, recording six points.
"We have a really good thing going here," Walman said. "I was excited when I got brought in. I could see the vision and it's starting to build now. We're getting there, gonna build and we'll be real good."
In 41 games played this season, Walman has already set career highs in goals (5) and points (10) with a plus-16 rating. He has bounced back after missing 15 games from Oct. 14 - Nov. 12 while recovering from shoulder surgery last offseason.
Red Wings head coach Derek Lalonde said Walman has added the stability Detroit needed along its blue line, and brings an infectious energy to the dressing room.

"He's been a great player for us," Lalonde said. "I know it's only been a small sample size, but he's been a great person, human and teammate. I was ecstatic for him and really happy for the organization."
Family is very important to Walman, who was born in nearby Toronto. For Walman, knowing family would remain close was a big reason why he re-signed with Detroit.
"They've been with me the whole time," Walman said. "My mom, my dad and my brother are the three who really believed in me like I did. They've been with me every step of the way since I was three years old learning how to skate. I love them and I owe this to them big time."
Walman also expressed how welcomed he has felt by the city of Detroit.

"Being part of the community is a big part of who I am too," Walman said. "Every level of hockey I've played at, I've tried to integrate with the community. There's so many good things going on in the city of Detroit. It's almost like it was in some sort of rebuild too. You can see the how happy the fans are when the team is winning. Hockey really brings everyone together. I love seeing the fans at the games and the stands full."
Walman is the second Red Wings defenseman this month to sign a multi-year extension with the club.
On Feb. 16, Olli Maatta inked a two-year deal with Detroit.
"Good pieces but good pros," Lalonde said about both Maatta and Walman. "I just like how both guys mentioned that they felt that we were building something here. They want to be part of it."