Good morning, everyone, and a happy Monday to you all. As always, I&#8217;ve got a brand new mailbag ready to go after taking your questions and sending them to the crew for their take. This week, we&#8217;re discussing Jake Walman&#8217;s ability to stay healthy, player discipline, a demanding Oilers schedule, and more. If you’ve got a question you’d like to ask, email it to me at <a class="text-accent" href="mailto:baggedmilk@oilersnation.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">baggedmilk@oilersnation.com</a> or on Twitter at <a class="text-accent" href="https://www.twitter.com/jsbmbaggedmilk" rel="noopener noreferrer">@jsbmbaggedmilk</a>, and I’ll get to you as soon as I can.

<figure id="attachment_168079" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-168079" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-168079" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/USATSI_25205680-1024x682.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers celebrate goal from Connor McDavid" width="1024" height="682" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/USATSI_25205680-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/USATSI_25205680-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/USATSI_25205680-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/USATSI_25205680-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/USATSI_25205680-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-168079" class="wp-caption-text">Jan 16, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) celebrates his goal with left wing Zach Hyman (18) and center Leon Draisaitl (29) and defenseman Evan Bouchard (2) in the second period against the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena.</figcaption></figure>
1) AJ88 asks &#8211; I have been watching sports for many years, professional as well as my own children and grandchildren. I have noticed over the years that the so-called upper echelon of players seem to be untouchable when they display poor play. What has happened to the Glen Sathers of the world when you did not play up to “your” potential, you were disciplined. I can remember Gretzky, Coffey, Kerri, etc., stapled to the bench for poor play. Why does this not happen in today’s world, especially referencing the <a href="https://oilersnation.com/combinations">Edmonton Oilers</a> and their so-called stars?
Tyler Yaremchuk:
Part of it is definitely that athletes today are simply treated differently than they were 20-30 years ago. The other part of it is that if you&#8217;re star players are playing poorly, it usually means your losing the game so if you&#8217;re Kris Knoblauch, what do you care about more: trying to win the game or sending a message? Also, Knoblauch did bench Leon Draisaitl early last season so it&#8217;s not like he won&#8217;t go to that option if he feels it&#8217;s the right move.
Baggedmilk:
I think the times are certainly different than when Glen Sather was behind the bench, and that&#8217;s the biggest reason the same levels of discipline aren&#8217;t there. That said, I do agree that there needs to be accountability regardless of the player we&#8217;re talking about, and the best way for Kris Knoblauch to do that is limit their ice time.
<figure id="attachment_182296" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-182296" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-182296" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/USATSI_27279487-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers Issac Howard" width="1024" height="683" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/USATSI_27279487-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/USATSI_27279487-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/USATSI_27279487-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/USATSI_27279487-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/USATSI_27279487-2048x1366.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-182296" class="wp-caption-text">Oct 8, 2025; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames defensemen Jake Bean (24) dives to try and knock the puck away from Edmonton Oilers forward Issac Howard (53) during the third period at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure>
2) Trey asks &#8211; Who do you think is the most likely players to get squeezed out when <a href="https://oilersnation.com/stats">the Oilers</a> finally start getting healthy?
Tyler Yaremchuk:
We&#8217;ll see Ike Howard go back down to Bakersfield, which makes sense both for his development and for roster management since he doesn&#8217;t need waivers. The next option should be Curtis Lazar. I really don&#8217;t want them to risk putting Noah Philp through waivers. On the blue line, one of Alex Regula or Troy Stecher will have to go through waivers when Walman is healthy and I&#8217;d bet on Regula.
Baggedmilk:
Isaac Howard is the easy one because I think some time in Bako would do him good. After that, your guess is as good as mine. To play along with the question, though, I&#8217;d bet on Curtis Lazar getting waived and maybe even a Janmark trade to clear up another space. I saw some Janmark trade rumours on Twitter this week, so now that one is living in my head.
<figure id="attachment_178718" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-178718" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-178718" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/USATSI_26109567-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers Jake Walman" width="1024" height="683" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/USATSI_26109567-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/USATSI_26109567-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/USATSI_26109567-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/USATSI_26109567-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/USATSI_26109567-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-178718" class="wp-caption-text">May 6, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Vegas Golden Knights center Brett Howden (21) shoots against the stick of Edmonton Oilers defenseman Jake Walman (96) during the second period of game one of the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure>
3) Oilers fan in Van asks &#8211; Is anyone as worried as I am that <a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2025/10/14/jack-roslovic-edmonton-oilers-debut-andrew-mangiapane-elevated-top-line-jake-walman-set-to-return/">Jake Walman</a>&#8216;s season debut keeps getting pushed back by setbacks? He has yet to play a full NHL season after all.
Tyler Yaremchuk:
No, I think they&#8217;re just being extra cautious with him since it&#8217;s early in the season. If he kept suffering the same injury, then I&#8217;d be worried that he&#8217;s got an issue but it&#8217;s always different things with him so I chalk it up to mainly bad luck.
Baggedmilk:
Being cautious and moving slow at this point in the season is the smart move. They don&#8217;t need to rush Walman back right now, so having him take his time is the best play. To the other point, I&#8217;d be lying if I said it didn&#8217;t make me a little nervous. A quick look at his HockeyDB shows what you&#8217;re saying for games missed.
<figure id="attachment_174688" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-174688" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-174688" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/USATSI_26128676_168383996_lowres-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers celebrate win Vegas Golden Knights" width="1024" height="683" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/USATSI_26128676_168383996_lowres-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/USATSI_26128676_168383996_lowres-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/USATSI_26128676_168383996_lowres-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/USATSI_26128676_168383996_lowres-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/USATSI_26128676_168383996_lowres-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-174688" class="wp-caption-text">May 8, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Edmonton Oilers defenseman Jake Walman (96) celebrates with team mates after scoring a goal against the Vegas Golden Knights during the second period of game two of the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure>
4) Trent asks &#8211; What&#8217;s your theory on why the Oilers are struggling to score through the first handful of games?
Tyler Yaremchuk:
Little bit of bad luck, little bit of trying to be cute and pass the puck into the net. They&#8217;ll find their groove, like they do every year, but they have had some good looks and they&#8217;ve had to play some really good goaltenders. I&#8217;m not concerned at all.
Baggedmilk:
Definitely need some luck, but I&#8217;m seeing way too much passy passy and not enough shooty shooty.
<figure id="attachment_172135" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-172135" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-172135" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/USATSI_25746709-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers celebrate win" width="1024" height="683" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/USATSI_25746709-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/USATSI_25746709-300x200.jpg 300w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/USATSI_25746709-768x512.jpg 768w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/USATSI_25746709-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/USATSI_25746709-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-172135" class="wp-caption-text">Mar 22, 2025; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers defenceman Jake Walman (96) celebrates their win with Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner (74) Oilers centre Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (93) and Oilers left winger Zach Hyman (18) during the third period at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Walter Tychnowicz-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure>
5) Yves asks &#8211; Starting Monday, the Oilers have a stretch of <a href="https://oilersnation.com/schedule">six games in the next 10 days</a>. What would you like to see from them over that time with such a condensed schedule to deem it a success?
Tyler Yaremchuk:
I would like to see both goalies continue to give them quality starts. Other than that, I think cutting down on some Grade A mistakes would go a long ways in allowing them to rack up some wins. If the Oilers play a clean transition game and don&#8217;t give the other team any freebies then they can beat anyone in the league.
Baggedmilk:
With 12 points on the board, the Oilers need at least eight or nine of them. How they get there doesn&#8217;t matter much to me.
<h2>PRESENTED BY STAR MECHANICAL</h2>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-146181" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Article-2-SME.png" alt="" width="728" height="404" srcset="https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Article-2-SME.png 728w, https://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Article-2-SME-300x166.png 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 728px) 100vw, 728px" />
Star Mechanical is one of Edmonton’s biggest locally owned and operated plumbing and heating businesses. They have been working within the community for over 20 years, and many of the homes built in Edmonton over the last two decades have had their plumbing and heating systems installed by Star Mechanical.  Visit them at <a href="http://starmechanical.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://starmechanical.ca&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1707492487512000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2mVs3WUkp8iUCZ0kJRe9lJ">starmechanical.ca</a> to schedule an appointment and let them help keep your home running smoothly.

GDB Edmonton Oilers Jake Walman Photoshop

Good morning, everyone, and a happy Monday to you all. As always, I've got a brand new mailbag ready to go after taking your questions and sending them to the crew for their take. This week, we're discussing Jake Walman's ability to stay healthy, player discipline, a demanding Oilers schedule, and more. If you’ve got a question you’d like to ask, email it to me at <a class="text-accent" href="mailto:baggedmilk@oilersnation.com" rel="noopener noreferrer">baggedmilk@oilersnation.com</a> or on Twitter at <a class="text-accent" href="https://www.twitter.com/jsbmbaggedmilk" rel="noopener noreferrer">@jsbmbaggedmilk</a>, and I’ll get to you as soon as I can.



[caption id="attachment_168079" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-168079" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/USATSI_25205680-1024x682.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers celebrate goal from Connor McDavid" width="1024" height="682" /> Jan 16, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) celebrates his goal with left wing Zach Hyman (18) and center Leon Draisaitl (29) and defenseman Evan Bouchard (2) in the second period against the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena.[/caption]

1) AJ88 asks - I have been watching sports for many years, professional as well as my own children and grandchildren. I have noticed over the years that the so-called upper echelon of players seem to be untouchable when they display poor play. What has happened to the Glen Sathers of the world when you did not play up to “your” potential, you were disciplined. I can remember Gretzky, Coffey, Kerri, etc., stapled to the bench for poor play. Why does this not happen in today’s world, especially referencing the <a href="https://oilersnation.com/combinations">Edmonton Oilers</a> and their so-called stars?

Tyler Yaremchuk:

Part of it is definitely that athletes today are simply treated differently than they were 20-30 years ago. The other part of it is that if you're star players are playing poorly, it usually means your losing the game so if you're Kris Knoblauch, what do you care about more: trying to win the game or sending a message? Also, Knoblauch did bench Leon Draisaitl early last season so it's not like he won't go to that option if he feels it's the right move.

Baggedmilk:

I think the times are certainly different than when Glen Sather was behind the bench, and that's the biggest reason the same levels of discipline aren't there. That said, I do agree that there needs to be accountability regardless of the player we're talking about, and the best way for Kris Knoblauch to do that is limit their ice time.

[caption id="attachment_182296" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-182296" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/USATSI_27279487-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers Issac Howard" width="1024" height="683" /> Oct 8, 2025; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames defensemen Jake Bean (24) dives to try and knock the puck away from Edmonton Oilers forward Issac Howard (53) during the third period at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images[/caption]

2) Trey asks - Who do you think is the most likely players to get squeezed out when <a href="https://oilersnation.com/stats">the Oilers</a> finally start getting healthy?

Tyler Yaremchuk:

We'll see Ike Howard go back down to Bakersfield, which makes sense both for his development and for roster management since he doesn't need waivers. The next option should be Curtis Lazar. I really don't want them to risk putting Noah Philp through waivers. On the blue line, one of Alex Regula or Troy Stecher will have to go through waivers when Walman is healthy and I'd bet on Regula.

Baggedmilk:

Isaac Howard is the easy one because I think some time in Bako would do him good. After that, your guess is as good as mine. To play along with the question, though, I'd bet on Curtis Lazar getting waived and maybe even a Janmark trade to clear up another space. I saw some Janmark trade rumours on Twitter this week, so now that one is living in my head.

[caption id="attachment_178718" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-178718" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/USATSI_26109567-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers Jake Walman" width="1024" height="683" /> May 6, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Vegas Golden Knights center Brett Howden (21) shoots against the stick of Edmonton Oilers defenseman Jake Walman (96) during the second period of game one of the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images[/caption]

3) Oilers fan in Van asks - Is anyone as worried as I am that <a href="https://publish.oilersnation.com/2025/10/14/jack-roslovic-edmonton-oilers-debut-andrew-mangiapane-elevated-top-line-jake-walman-set-to-return/">Jake Walman</a>'s season debut keeps getting pushed back by setbacks? He has yet to play a full NHL season after all.

Tyler Yaremchuk:

No, I think they're just being extra cautious with him since it's early in the season. If he kept suffering the same injury, then I'd be worried that he's got an issue but it's always different things with him so I chalk it up to mainly bad luck.

Baggedmilk:

Being cautious and moving slow at this point in the season is the smart move. They don't need to rush Walman back right now, so having him take his time is the best play. To the other point, I'd be lying if I said it didn't make me a little nervous. A quick look at his HockeyDB shows what you're saying for games missed.

[caption id="attachment_174688" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-174688" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/USATSI_26128676_168383996_lowres-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers celebrate win Vegas Golden Knights" width="1024" height="683" /> May 8, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Edmonton Oilers defenseman Jake Walman (96) celebrates with team mates after scoring a goal against the Vegas Golden Knights during the second period of game two of the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images[/caption]

4) Trent asks - What's your theory on why the Oilers are struggling to score through the first handful of games?

Tyler Yaremchuk:

Little bit of bad luck, little bit of trying to be cute and pass the puck into the net. They'll find their groove, like they do every year, but they have had some good looks and they've had to play some really good goaltenders. I'm not concerned at all.

Baggedmilk:

Definitely need some luck, but I'm seeing way too much passy passy and not enough shooty shooty.

[caption id="attachment_172135" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]<img class="size-large wp-image-172135" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/USATSI_25746709-1024x683.jpg" alt="Edmonton Oilers celebrate win" width="1024" height="683" /> Mar 22, 2025; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers defenceman Jake Walman (96) celebrates their win with Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner (74) Oilers centre Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (93) and Oilers left winger Zach Hyman (18) during the third period at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Walter Tychnowicz-Imagn Images[/caption]

5) Yves asks - Starting Monday, the Oilers have a stretch of <a href="https://oilersnation.com/schedule">six games in the next 10 days</a>. What would you like to see from them over that time with such a condensed schedule to deem it a success?

Tyler Yaremchuk:

I would like to see both goalies continue to give them quality starts. Other than that, I think cutting down on some Grade A mistakes would go a long ways in allowing them to rack up some wins. If the Oilers play a clean transition game and don't give the other team any freebies then they can beat anyone in the league.

Baggedmilk:

With 12 points on the board, the Oilers need at least eight or nine of them. How they get there doesn't matter much to me.
<h2>PRESENTED BY STAR MECHANICAL</h2>
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-146181" src="http://publish.oilersnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Article-2-SME.png" alt="" width="728" height="404" />

Star Mechanical is one of Edmonton’s biggest locally owned and operated plumbing and heating businesses. They have been working within the community for over 20 years, and many of the homes built in Edmonton over the last two decades have had their plumbing and heating systems installed by Star Mechanical.  Visit them at <a href="http://starmechanical.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://starmechanical.ca&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1707492487512000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2mVs3WUkp8iUCZ0kJRe9lJ">starmechanical.ca</a> to schedule an appointment and let them help keep your home running smoothly.

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