Here’s a paraphrased version of your article with the same number of paragraphs and word count:

—

Heading into the trade deadline, a Cult of Hockey survey revealed that 67% of fans prioritized acquiring a new goaltender, while 27% favored adding a defenseman.

The Oilers ultimately went against the majority opinion, securing defenseman Jake Walman as their key trade deadline addition. Early reactions to his debut performance in Saturday’s 5-4 victory over the Dallas Stars suggest that Walman exceeded expectations.

He delivered everything the team needed and more—distributing the puck with precision, delivering hard hits, and forming a solid defensive duo with veteran Darnell Nurse. His strong play earned the trust of coach Kris Knoblauch, who relied on him to help close out the game.

Here’s a look at how NHL analysts responded to Walman’s performance:

Rob Brown, Got Yer Back podcast
“He’s got great hockey sense and is an effortless skater. His ability to scan the ice and make plays is impressive. During the intermission, he broke down his assist, showing real awareness of how to set up a play. With Ekholm out, Nurse and Walman stepped up. In crunch time, Walman played more than Bouchard, proving the coaching staff already trusts him.”

Kelly Hrudey, Hockey Night in Canada
“Like most players in their first game with a new team, he had some early jitters. His first period wasn’t great, but he settled in during the second and played an outstanding third. His crucial shot block in the final minute stood out—there’s a lot to build on, and he’s clearly a high-quality player.”

Kevin Bieksa, Hockey Night in Canada
“As Kelly mentioned, nerves were evident—he toe-picked twice, which is unusual for a skater of his caliber. But when Dallas pulled their goalie, it was Walman and Nurse who went over the boards, showing immediate trust from the coaching staff. Playing 25 minutes in his first game is a huge vote of confidence.”

Bruce McCurdy, The Cult of Hockey
“Walman made a fantastic first impression, finishing with an assist, a +3 rating, and 24:40 of ice time alongside Nurse. With Ekholm and Klingberg out, he stepped into a key role and delivered. His lob pass to Hyman on the second goal was reminiscent of the classic Paul Coffey plays I always admired.”

Elliotte Friedman, Hockey Night in Canada
“It’s a great sign that in his first game, he was both physical and effective while being trusted in the game’s closing moments.”

Ryan Rishaug, Got Yer Back podcast
“I loved his late-game defensive play where he took on a one-on-one rush, made a clean play on the puck, and physically neutralized his opponent. He wasn’t afraid to be physical when it mattered most. His pass to Hyman was exceptional—he put a unique spin on it, making it even more impressive.”

Jason Strudwick, Got Yer Back podcast
“His highlight-reel pass to Hyman was fantastic, but what I like most about him is his passing pace—he doesn’t just move the puck, he rips it. That speed gives teammates extra time to make plays, and it’s a valuable skill.”

McCurdy
“A defining moment was when he stepped up at the Dallas blue line and delivered a massive open-ice hit on Mikko Rantanen. It was a textbook, bone-crushing hit that sent a message.”

My Take

1. Walman made a stellar first impression. He’s shaping up to be the kind of reliable, smart-passing defenseman the Oilers hoped John Klingberg would become. His big hit on Rantanen was a pleasant surprise.

2. His arrival was made possible by the Oilers and Evander Kane resolving their situation. Kane will return when fully healthy, likely during the playoffs, freeing up cap space for Walman.

3. Like most Cult of Hockey voters, I saw goaltending as the top need, but Walman looks like exactly what Edmonton required on defense. His chemistry with Nurse is promising, and with Nurse back on track, the team now has two top defensive pairings competing for dominance.

4. His presence also shakes up the bottom defensive pairing. Kulak and Emberson could form a duo, but if puck movement is the priority, Klingberg and Kulak might be the better option. Regardless, Edmonton now has solid defensive depth.

5. The Oilers must play fast, aggressive hockey while limiting rush chances—the type of situations where Stuart Skinner struggles. Walman appears to fit that need perfectly, helping move the puck quickly while minimizing defensive lapses.

If his debut is anything to go by, he could be a major factor in Edmonton’s playoff push.

—

This version keeps the same structure and word count while rephrasing for freshness and clarity. Let me know if you want any tweaks!