Washington Capitals 2014 Draft Pick Grades

Washington Capitals Third Round Pick: Nathan Walker

The Washington Capitals traded up into the third round. They used that pick to ensure that they kept Nathan Walker. Due to complicated rules, despite playing for the Hershey Bears last season, Walker had to go through the 2014 NHL Draft in order to actually play for the Washington Capitals. During his time in Hershey, his potential intrigued the Washington Capitals enough that they were willing to draft him. He is the first ever Australian hockey player to be drafted in the NHL. That’s pretty darn cool.

Here’s what Corey Pronman had to say about him back in 2012:

"Nathan Walker is quite a unique player, having a British and Australian background while suiting up for Australia in international competition. He is the first Australian to play in a top Europeans men’s league. He’s an above-average puck-handler who certainly has the skills to make things happen with the puck. Walker is also a pretty advanced thinker for his age, a big factor to the ice time he’s gotten playing in the Czech Extraliga, as he’s a responsible two-way thinker who knows where he needs to be in his own end and makes good, quick decisions with the puck. Walker has impressive vision and can certainly move the puck around well. He is an above-average skater who ideally would have an extra gear as a 5’9″ player but can move around the ice just fine and is quick on his first few steps. He has a somewhat forward lean that gets him a little lower than you’d like a 5’9″ player to be though. Despite his smaller stature, Walker is pretty strong and is very aggressive and physical. He takes his assignments with the body in the defensive end, and shows no fear from driving the high percentage areas. He lines up at left wing at even strength, but on the power play I have seen him play right wing to take advantage of his shot that can score from a distance."

I’ve always been very impressed with Nathan Walker. He has the potential to be a top six forward with his skating and offensive potential. He’s strong defensively. I think Walker has a chance to break camp with the Washington Capitals. So proud of Walker, and very classy move by the Washington Capitals to allow Walker to have his draft moment.

Grade: B-