Trailblazing Australian hockey star, Nathan Walker, is on pace for a career-best NHL season in 2024-25, having solidified his spot with the St. Louis Blues. His ongoing success has been a testament to his perseverance and value as a depth player.
The 31-year-old Welsh-born Australian forward, now in his sixth season with the Blues organization, continues to carve out a role on a team navigating a rollercoaster campaign. While not a headline-grabbing star, Walker’s contributions—marked by physicality, hustle, and occasional offensive sparks—have made him a fan favorite and a reliable piece of the Blues’ bottom-six puzzle.
Walker entered the 2024-25 season on the heels of a two-year, $1.55 million contract extension signed in January 2024, a one-way deal signaling the Blues’ confidence in his ability to stick at the NHL level. Through the Blues’ 61 games, he has appeared in all but nine, seeing him on pace for a career-high 70.
Diminutive, yet aggressive, Walker’s tallied six goals and four assists, putting him on pace to tally career-high marks offensively too. It’s also the first time in his NHL career that he’s seen more than 600 total minutes on ice. These numbers, while modest, reflect his role as a fourth-line energy player who thrives in limited minutes.
The best stretch of Walker’s season to date came in late-December where he picked up points in three straight games as the Blues enjoyed a flurry of wins either side of the new year. In games where Walker scores, the Blues win 67% of the time, highlighting his ability to make an impact.
Physicality remains a cornerstone of Walker’s game, ranking among the team’s leaders in hits with 185. He brings a relentless forecheck that disrupts opponents and creates opportunities for linemates. His speed, a trait honed in Australia’s smaller hockey rinks and refined through years in the AHL, allows him to pressure defenders and win puck battles in the hard areas. Former Blues coach, Drew Bannister, frequently praised this consistency, noting that Walker’s game “hasn’t changed” from his dominant AHL stint with Springfield, where he racked up 29 points in 30 games before his latest NHL recall.
Despite being on pace for career-high marks in most categories, Walker’s season hasn’t been without its challenges. The Blues have struggled with inconsistency, sitting outside the playoff picture most of the season. Special teams have been a sore spot, and Walker, often deployed on the penalty kill, has been part of a unit that’s failed to find its rhythm. Additionally, his minus-5 plus-minus rating reflects the defensive lapses that have plagued the team this season.
Looking ahead, Walker’s role could expand if injuries or trades shake up the roster. With nine forwards already locked in for next season, his one-way contract ensures stability, but he’ll need to maintain his edge to fend off younger prospects. For now, Nathan Walker remains the Blues’ unsung warrior—proof that heart and hustle can still shine in a league dominated by speed and skill.
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