Why, at 29, ex-Shark Walman feels his NHL career is ‘just getting started’

SAN JOSE — Former Sharks defenseman Jake Walman just turned 29 in February. But in six NHL seasons, he’s already been traded three times, sustained his share of injuries, saw his ice time fluctuate as a younger player, faced a minor disciplinary issue earlier this season, and has often been his own worst critic.

Perhaps it’s all led Walman to where he is today: a confident and productive player and a significant part of an Edmonton Oilers lineup that hopes to reach the Stanley Cup Final for a second consecutive year.