The Detroit Red Wings have reduced some of their defensive depth in trading Jake Walman.

The Wings dealt Walman, along with a 2024 second-round pick acquired in a trade with the Nashville Predators, to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for future considerations. It was a needed move as the Wings had a surplus of defensemen, what with prospects Simon Edvinsson and Albert Johansson joining next year’s roster, along with returners Moritz Seider (a restricted free agent expected to sign a lucrative new contract before next season begins), Ben Chiarot, Jeff Petry, and Olli Määtä.

General manager Steve Yzerman has also been open about wanting to re-sign defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere, who was key to the team’s power play last season.

To acquire the second-round pick — No. 53 overall, originally belonging the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Red Wings sent defenseman Andrew Gibson, a second-round pick last year (No. 42 overall) to the Predators. The Wings also received Finnish forward Jesse Kiiskinen from the Preds, a third-round pick (No. 68 overall) in 2023. Kiiskinen spent last season with the Lahti Pelicans in Finland’s top league, recording four goals and six assists in 36 games as an 18-year-old. Kiiskinen was one of Finland’s top players at the World Juniors, with three goals and two assists during the winter tournament.