Walker was born in Cardiff, Wales, but grew up in Australia and became the first Australian player drafted by an NHL team when he was selected by the Washington Capitals in the third round (No. 89) of the 2014 NHL Draft.
Walker moved to the Czech Republic in 2007 after dominating local competition in Australia. After six years in the Czech Republic, he signed with Youngstown of the United States Hockey League in January 2013 and finished with 27 points (seven goals, 20 assists) in 29 games. He spent most of the next four seasons with Hershey of the American Hockey League before making the Capitals at training camp in 2017.
Walker was born in Cardiff, Wales, but grew up in Australia and became the first Australian player drafted by an NHL team when he was selected by the Washington Capitals in the third round (No. 89) of the 2014 NHL Draft.
Walker moved to the Czech Republic in 2007 after dominating local competition in Australia. After six years in the Czech Republic, he signed with Youngstown of the United States Hockey League in January 2013 and finished with 27 points (seven goals, 20 assists) in 29 games. He spent most of the next four seasons with Hershey of the American Hockey League before making the Capitals at training camp in 2017.
With his parents and brother in the crowd, Walker made his NHL debut for Washington on Oct. 7, 2017, and scored a goal. He was waived by the Capitals on Nov. 30, and claimed by the Edmonton Oilers the next day. But the Oilers waived him Dec. 19, and he was reclaimed by the Capitals.
Walker made his Stanley Cup Playoff debut in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Second Round against the Pittsburgh Penguins and had an assist, becoming the first Australian to play in and have a point in an NHL playoff game.
NOTES & TRANSACTIONS
- Claimed on waivers by Edmonton from Washington, December 1, 2017.
- Claimed on waivers by Washington from Edmonton, December 20, 2017.
- Signed as a free agent by St. Louis, July 1, 2019.
