Australian NHL Pioneer Nathan Walker Returns to Capitals After Waivers

CHRISTMAS has come early for Aussie ice hockey trailblazer Nathan Walker, with the 23-year-old rejoining the Washington Capitals.

The left winger spent just 20 days away from his beloved Caps, who pounced on Walker becoming available again after he was cut by Edmonton.

Walker played just two games for the Oilers after they claimed him off waivers on November 30.

In truth the Capitals never wanted to lose Walker.

They drafted the New South Welshman back in 2014, and have spent significant time and effort developing him into an NHL calibre player.

He started the season on the team and made an instant impact in the Caps home opener against Montreal, scoring a goal and being awarded the ‘second star’ of the game.

His playing time after that was sporadic, as he battled against the Capitals’ bigger forwards for a regular spot on the fourth line.

Nathan Walker, left, chases Byron Froese of the Montreal Canadiens while playing for the Edmonton Oilers. Photo: Minas Panagiotakis (Getty Images/AFP)Source: AFP

With the Capitals performing below expectations, coach Barry Trotz went with more experienced line combinations which ultimately left Walker on the sidelines.

After seven games and plenty of healthy scratchings, the Capitals decided to send Walker down to their American Hockey League affiliate Hershey to get more playing time.

But before he was officially reassigned to the AHL, other NHL teams could bid for Walker’s services.

A number of teams submitted an offer sheet, and Edmonton stole Walker from underneath the Capitals nose.

The Oilers ultimately decided to go in another direction and clear out some salary cap room, and Walker was once again on waivers.

The Caps didn’t miss their chance to take him back.

Walker has joined the team in Arizona as the team prepares to take on the Coyotes on Saturday morning Australian time.

He will remain with the team until at least December 29, with a ‘roster freeze’ in place.

The Capitals will most likely revert to their original plan and reassign Walker to Hershey, where he can continue his development with the Bears.