It didn't hurt Walker's chances of making the NHL that the undrafted defenseman from Keswick, Ontario, played four seasons of college hockey at Bowling Green, the last two as captain.
Two of Bowling Green's most famous alumni are defenseman Rob Blake and forward Nelson Emerson, who each went on to a lengthy NHL playing career before becoming general manager and director of player personnel, respectively, for the Los Angeles Kings. After Walker finished his college career in 2017, he signed with Ontario of the American Hockey League, the Kings' top affiliate.
It didn't hurt Walker's chances of making the NHL that the undrafted defenseman from Keswick, Ontario, played four seasons of college hockey at Bowling Green, the last two as captain.
Two of Bowling Green's most famous alumni are defenseman Rob Blake and forward Nelson Emerson, who each went on to a lengthy NHL playing career before becoming general manager and director of player personnel, respectively, for the Los Angeles Kings. After Walker finished his college career in 2017, he signed with Ontario of the American Hockey League, the Kings' top affiliate.
Walker turned in a solid season with Ontario in 2017-18, with 28 points (seven goals, 21 assists) and a plus-17 rating in 64 games, and the Kings signed him to a two-year, entry-level contract on July 3, 2018.
Though Walker started 2018-19 with Ontario, he quickly earned his first callup and made his NHL debut on Oct. 23, 2018, earning an assist at the Dallas Stars. He scored his first NHL goal at the Colorado Avalanche on Dec. 31, 2018, and finished his rookie season with 10 points (three goals, seven assists) in 39 games, averaging 15:26 of ice time.
Walker became a top-four defenseman for the Kings in 2019-20, averaging 18:50 of ice time in 70 games and finishing with 24 points (five goals, 19 assists).
NOTES & TRANSACTIONS
- Signed as a free agent by Los Angeles, July 2, 2018.
