from Kevin Allen of Detroit Hockey Now,

Jake Walman boasts new three-year contract worth $10.2 million. He’s playing among the Red Wings’ top four defensemen with Moritz Seider who is one of the world’s best young hockey players. And he was recently named to play for Team Canada at the World Championships.

It’s like he hit the trifecta for a big payoff, or matched all of the numbers on a lottery ticket. This has clearly been a career-changing season for Walman.

He came into the season rehabbing from shoulder surgery and trying to prove he belonged permanently on Detroit’s defense. He left the season with management believing he’s an important player for this rebuilding team.

When coach Derek Lalonde about the core players in the rebuild, he said recently: “Walman — you can put him in that group.”...

The Red Wings don’t have to worry if Walman will take his elevated status for granted. Complacency is not an option.

“I’m so competitive, it looks like a successful season but I’m not happy with it,” Walman said. “I am happy with it, but I know there’s a lot more than I can give. I don’t have limits on what I can do. Not just me, but the team. It’s still going to be the same summer I’ve done every summer, train hard, thinking about the jumps and strides you’ve taken in the team game next year. I’m not really relaxed and content, I’m more excited."

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