Big Mistake or Genius Move? Oilers May Have Just Built the Sharks’ Future Star

Elton Hermansson is definitely on Ryan Warsofsky’s list as the San Jose Sharks have got Edmonton’s first-round pick from the Jake Walman trade.

Now, the full impact of that trade is becoming clear.

Edmonton gave away a conditional first-round pick for 2026 and a player named Carl Berglund to get Walman. The condition is important.

If the pick ends up being lower than the top 12, it will go to San Jose in 2026. That’s where things start to get interesting.

Many scouts think Hermansson will be picked in the middle to later part of the first round. This matches up with where they predict the Oilers’ pick will land. That makes it a real possibility.

The pick range could provide the Sharks with a key player for their team.

San Jose isn’t just holding a draft pick. They have a chance to develop a player that will connect with Edmonton’s schedule.

Mike Grier has made it known that he wants players with skill and speed on the wings. Hermansson fits that description.

The Swedish winger scored 21 points in 38 games in HockeyAllsvenskan, showing that he can keep up with the professional level.

He also had 11 points in just 5 games at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, stepping up when the game gets faster.

That’s the type of player who can develop into someone who scores a lot.

Now think about the long-term plan.

Having a winger like Hermansson grow alongside Macklin Celebrini would create a strong offensive team for the Sharks.

Celebrini drives through the center while Hermansson moves quickly and skillfully along the sides.

This mix can challenge any defensive team.

There are still things Hermansson needs to work on.

He needs to get stronger and be more consistent when he doesn’t have the puck.

However, San Jose isn’t looking to draft someone who plays it safe.

They want to choose players who can eventually change the outcome of a game.

For Edmonton, this is the risk they decided to take.
Walman adds strength to the defense right now and has scored 32 points in 50 games this season.

This is helpful for their effort to make the playoffs.

However, if this draft pick becomes a talented winger who works well with Celebrini in the future, people will see this trade in a new light.

This is because the possibilities line up nicely.

And the Sharks can really benefit from this opportunity.