The Washington Capitals’ gamble failed to pay off.
The Edmonton Oilers claimed forward Nathan Walker off waivers Friday, a day after the Capitals released him with the hopes of assigning him to Hershey, the team’s American Hockey League affiliate.
Walker was a feel-good story for the Capitals, becoming the first Australian player to make it in the NHL. But the 23-year-old forward was often inactive, appearing in just seven games this season.
With the Capitals becoming healthier and other forwards surpassing him, Washington waived Walker on Thursday to try and advance his development by placing him in the AHL.
Walker’s lone goal came in his debut, scoring against the Montreal Canadiens on Oct. 7.
He’ll join an Oilers team that is in the middle of a disappointing season. Edmonton is just 10-14-2 after being preseason favorites to win the Western Conference.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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