Player's Profile
- Name: Julian Walker
- Position: C
- Shoots: Right
- Height: 6-2
- Weight: 209 lbs
- Birthdate: 1986-09-10
- Eligible for Draft: 2004
- Drafted:
- Hometown: Bern, Switzerland
- Acquired: 6th round (#162 overall), 2006
- Playing In: Europe
Julian Walker
Prospect Grade: 4.5 B (About Prospect Grades)
History
Walker started his professional career in 2002 as a member of SC Bern’s Elite Jr. A league team in Switzerland. Over 2 seasons, he amassed a total of 37 points (17 G, 20 A) in 69 games. Walker moved to EHC Basel of Switzerland’s Nationalliga A league in 2004-05, and in 37 games posted a meager 2 points (2 G) but 39 PIM. He was also a member of Switzerland’s WJC team for 3 years (2004, 2005, and 2006); Walker totaled 16 games played, 3 goals, 4 assists, 7 points, a +2 rating, and 16 PIM during international competition.
Walker has already gone through two NHL drafts without being selected, but his impressive showing at the WJC tournament—in which he lead the surprising Swiss team to a tie against the Americans and nearly a Medal-round berth—made scouts take notice. Walker outplayed line-mate Julian Sprunger which helped propel him to 104th on the NHL Central Scouting Service’s list of best European skaters in the 2006 NHL draft.
Walker returned to Basel for the 2007-08 season.
Talent Analysis
Walker is a physical player with an NHL-ready body; he should have no problem handling the rough stuff without wearing down over the course of the season. Drafting hockey players from Switzerland is always a gamble, but Walker’s last two strong showings at the World Juniors was an indication of what he can bring to the table.
However, Walker’s shortcomings are in the offensive zone, as evidenced by his point totals during his seasons playing for SC Bern and EHC Basel. He makes his mark on the ice as a tireless worker and physical player who will hit anything that moves; when he contributes scoring, it’s just an added bonus. The fact that he went through 2 separate NHL drafts before 2006 without being taken could be an indication that he’s a late bloomer, or that his performances at the WJC tournaments were nothing more than flashes in a pan.
Future
Walker is not likely NHL material.
Stats
| Season | Team | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM |
| 2004-05 | Langenthal Swiss-B | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2005-06 | Basel Swiss-A | 37 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 39 |
| 2006-07 | Basel Swiss-A | 40 | 4 | 4 | 8 | 16 |
Profile Last Updated: March, 24th 2008
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