SAN JOSE – San Jose Sharks defenseman Jake Walman was surprised at the way his time with the Detroit Red Wings ended last summer. But he also harbors no ill will toward the Red Wings organization as he returns to Little Caesars Arena on Tuesday for the first time since being traded to San Jose last June.

The San Jose Sharks sit 31st in the league with a 14-26-6 record, making them a prime contender for top-end draft selection. With the Sharks in the midst of a rebuild, selling the team to gather draft assets is a priority.

They didn’t get to six goals, but the Blue Jackets did move into the first wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference over the Boston Bruins by extending their season-high winning streak to six straight games Thursday at Nationwide Arena.

A strong first two periods helped the Blue Jackets survive a third-period push from the Sharks before van Riemsdyk found the empty net.

James van Riemsdyk scored twice, leading the Columbus Blue Jackets to a 4-1 victory over the visiting San Jose Sharks on Thursday night.

Watch the Game Highlights from Columbus Blue Jackets vs. San Jose Sharks, 01/16/2025

The Columbus Blue Jackets were about to embark on an extended road trip. They could have easily overlooked the San Jose Sharks. Thanks to a quick start and a good first two periods, the Blue Jackets avoided the trap game.