Tuesday afternoon, former Capitals forward Nathan Walker was put on waivers by the Edmonton Oilers.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman was the first to report the news.
Walker (EDM) on waivers. Sounds like Sekera ready soon
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) December 19, 2017
The Oilers made three transactions at noon.
The #Oilers have recalled forward Anton Slepyshev from the Bakersfield @Condors, placed defenceman Oscar Klefbom on Injured Reserve & placed forward Nathan Walker on waivers.
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) December 19, 2017
Walker played in only two games (20:40 ice time) for the Oilers during his three-week stay north of the border. Edmonton got outshot 17 to 27 when Walker was on the ice at even strength. The scoring chances were 5 to 14.
This is the second time in three weeks Walker has been made available to any NHL team. On November 30, the Capitals originally put Walker on waivers citing his need for playing time in AHL Hershey. Several teams put claims in on Walker back then, but Edmonton was highest in the waiver order.
Though technically the roster freeze will come into effect before Walker is through the waiver process, he can still be claimed by any team and report to them immediately. That could potentially give a team an extra player for the next week should they have the roster room, only to see him hit the wire once again after rosters are thawed out after Christmas.
This time around, the Caps are 25th in the waiver order if they want to bring Walker back. If no other NHL team puts in a claim, the Caps could re-claim Walker and assign him to Hershey – their plan all along.
Waiver Order Dec 19:
ari buf fla ott edm
det mtl van col pit
ana phi cgy car dal
min nyi nyr chi s.j
bos cbj tor wpg wsh
n.j l.a stl vgk nsh
t.b— Micah Blake McCurdy (@IneffectiveMath) December 19, 2017
We’ll know more tomorrow.
