San Jose Sharks general manager Mike Grier had no intention of trading defenseman Jake Walman two months ago.

But Oilers GM Stan Bowman made an offer that Grier felt he couldn’t turn down, and now Walman has become a vital piece for an Edmonton team that is seeking to win its first Stanley Cup in 35 years .

Going into Game 1 of the Cup final against the reigning champion Florida Panthers on Wednesday, the puck-moving Walman, in the playoffs, is averaging 19:39 in ice time and has six points in 16 games. Before Wednesday, Walman and Florida forward Anton Lundell were tied for the league lead with a +12 rating.

“Our identity is just being a good puck-moving team,” Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch said Tuesday . “If you don’t have the defensemen who can make those good plays and p

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