Nathan Walker doesn't look like your prototypical NHL player -- especially not a fourth-line grinder. Standing at just 5-foot-9 and 187 pounds, the veteran showed last season that he won't let that stop him.
Walker established himself as a force on the fourth-line last season for the St. Louis Blues as one of the team's most consistent grinders.
The 31-year-old forward hit multiple career highs in the 2024-25 season, including 73 games played after topping out at 56 and 45 in the two years prior. He also tied his career highs of eight goals and eight assists, which combined for a new caree high of 16 points.
He did all of this while averaging 12:06 per game. That's over a minute more per contest than the previous two seasons. And he deserved his ice time with 281 hits and five fighting majors.
Where does Walker fit in 2025-26?
It's a good thing that Walker is used to throwing his body around and fighting, because he'll have to do just that in training camp to earn his roster spot.
Walker isn't projected to be one of the Blues' 12 starting forwards on Daily Faceoff despite being a stalwart in the lineup last season. Additions of Pius Suter and Nick Bjugstad in the bottom six have moved Walker out of the lineup, but he may not start the season there.
The 31-year-old Walker is entering the final year of his contract with a $775,000 cap hit. Last season was the first time in his professional career that he did not play a game in the AHL. He could end up back in Springfield at some point this season depending how things are going in St. Louis.