American Hockey League rookies come in various shapes and sizes.
Whether they are highly vaunted NHL prospects or free agency signings from college or junior, the journey into professional hockey is rarely a smooth one.
Sammy Walker leads the rookie-scoring race through the Christmas break. He is a player that few people outside of Minnesota and Iowa would be aware of.
Walker was selected by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the seventh round (200th overall) of the 2017 NHL Draft.
Unable to agree on terms with Tampa, Walker didn’t allow the situation to affect his play with the University of Minnesota, after opting to take the NCAA route.
In four seasons with the Golden Gophers, Walker posted 112 points (48G/64A) in 144 games and captained the team for three of those campaigns.
Many NCAA graduates can earn themselves a look at an NHL camp or an AHL contract.
The Tampa Bay Lighting offered him an AHL deal and there were a few other (NHL + AHL) suitors for the 23-year-old.
On August 18, 2022, Sammy Walker signed a two-year, entry-level contract with his hometown NHL team
There is a degree of intrigue and excitement surrounding any free-agency signing, let alone a player living out his dream by signing for an NHL team so close to home.
Expectations aside, Walker made a dream start to his professional career and has continued to enjoy the ride.
On his Iowa Wild debut, the visiting San Jose led 3-0 before a late second-period goal from Mason Shaw drew the hosts within two.
Walker recorded his first professional point with 4:11 remaining, assisting on a goal for Joseph Cramarossa.
Then with 2:35 left in regulation, Walker netted his first professional goal to tie the game at 3-3.
Iowa earned a point but lost in a shootout.
Iowa’s head coach Tim Army felt comfortable in giving the rookie his opportunity in the skills competition, despite being denied on the attempt.
Two games passed without registering on the scoresheet, but lessons were learnt quickly.
At the time of writing Walker leads all AHL rookies in scoring with 24 points (12G/12A) in twenty-three games.
He’s also on a four-game point streak (3G/3A) and recently got into his first fight, a tilt with Jamieson Rees of the Chicago Wolves.
Walker has an edge to his game, and is incredibly tenacious, but isn’t renowned for his duelling skills.
He’s found different ways to score at the professional level thus far.
Baseball swing finish
Power Play snipe.
Walker has been assigned penalty-killing duties in the tentative stages of his professional career, such is the trust he has earned.
Speed is a fundamental part of Walker’s skill set, which he showcases to good effect in this clip.
His skills are not limited to solely scoring. This give-and-go play required a perfectly weighted pass.
The AHL’s rookie of the month for November made his NHL debut on December 10 against Vancouver.
He drew a penalty which led to the game-winning goal.
Walker also had this breakaway attempt.
Four NHL games in seven days have only accelerated his learning curve. Now back in the American League, Iowa will hope the rookie can help propel them up the league standings and guarantee a playoff berth.
Walker is already a predominant member of the Wild at the AHL level and is a proven needle mover for the team.
Twenty Primary Points.
Ten Even Strength Points.
Six Power Play Goals + Five Power Play Assists.
(Contributing to eleven of the team’s 23 power-play goals).
A centreman by trade, Walker may have to switch to the wing if he’s to stay in NHL anytime soon with Minnesota.
I wouldn’t bet against him making it.
If you have enjoyed this article and would like to support my work please consider donating https://ko-fi.com/markukleaf or PayPal.me/markukleaf
No donation is too small, even if it’s just the cost of a coffee. It would be much appreciated.
Alternatively, if you feel inclined to support me longer term please consider becoming a patron https://www.patreon.com/markukleaf
Thank you for considering the above, reading this article and for your continued support.
UK Hockey Blog 