Another blunder by the Capitals organization has cost the team more of its depth.
Capitals prospect Nathan Walker has been claimed by the Edmonton Oilers after being put on waivers by Washington on Thursday. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman was the first to report the news.
EDM claims Nathan Walker
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) December 1, 2017
In a corresponding move, the Oilers placed right wing Iiro Pakarinen on waivers.
In corresponding move, EDM places Pakarinen on waivers
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) December 1, 2017
According to Isabelle Khurshudyan, multiple teams put claims in to try and nab Walker.
The claim ends Walker’s tenure in Washington just after receiving only 7 games from Barry Trotz. The team put five years into developing Walker, but failed to sneak the forward through waivers and back to AHL Hershey.
In late October, Trotz cited Walker’s wall play and his lack of penalty killing as the reason why he was a frequent bench. At the time, Walker was the team’s best possession forward (small sample size).
“I actually talked to Walks, different things about his role,” Trotz began. “He’s just like a young player. We talked about being really accurate on your wall plays, being a guy who brings energy all the time. You’ve got the speed, now we’ve got to make you a real productive player. He didn’t kill penalties in Hershey; he’s going to have to learn to kill penalties here and gain trust from us coaches, too. It’s something that we’ll have to work together with.”
Thursday, Trotz explained the decision to reporters as one that was mandatory to get the player to continue to develop.
“We looked at it and with people getting healthy and Nate wasn’t getting in the lineup,” Trotz said. “We’re not doing him any favors. You only build your game on the ice. Let’s see if he clears waivers.”
He did not.
The #Oilers have claimed forward Nathan Walker via waivers from the Washington Capitals. The 23-year-old LW has scored one goal in seven games during the 2017-18 season. pic.twitter.com/KclPREweo3
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) December 1, 2017
In Washington, there is a big gulf between the team’s top six forwards and its depth on the bottom lines. Walker’s early returns suggested he could bridge that gap. Instead, he’ll go to Edmonton where he’ll get ice time, and could potentially help the Oilers during a season that has started woefully.
Walker is the first Australian to ever play in the NHL and was a fan favorite.
Walker scouting report from Washington source
"He can fly, is jacked and can play 3 FWD positions.
Was surprised Trotz didn't PK him." https://t.co/KReLWllyl7— Bob Stauffer (@Bob_Stauffer) December 1, 2017
Nathan Walker will be in Calg but unlikely he'll play on 4th line the way Khaira and Kassian played vs Leafs. They like his speed and PK ability. Oilers have worst PK in NHL
— Jim Matheson (@NHLbyMatty) December 1, 2017
