Sammy Walker played nine NHL games last year for the Wild where he recorded one goal and one assist. He also recorded 27 goals in 56 AHL games last year. Today, Walker made a case for an NHL roster spot out of camp after his four point night against the Chicago Blackhawks in the Tom Kurvers Prospect Showcase.

On Friday Walker fired five shots on net but couldn't find the back of the net in the 5-1 loss to the St. Louis Blues. Today was a different story as Walker fired eight shots on net and recorded three goals and an assist. 

"It's frustrating when they weren't going in last game," Walker said. "But it was nice they were going in today."

With the amount of experience last year and some results to show for, Walker still felt he needed to improve his game a lot during the off-season. One of the biggest areas was his shot which results in finishing your chances, that's something former Wild assistant coach and current Iowa Wild head coach Brett McLean wanted to see more of.

"With his speed he was able to separate from players and create chances," McLean said. "His next step will be to finishes those chances like he did today. I think we all look forward to see main camp start and he's somebody we will all be watching for to take that next camp."

With main camp starting on Thursday the 21st, Walker has made a pretty big impact already and will look to continue to do that throughout camp. If he does, Walker could earn himself an NHL roster spot and play with the big club to start the season.

Walker noted that his success during the prospect showcase was a result of him having more experience than others. Only playing in nine NHL games last year, Walker understands he has to be more quick with the puck and make that first move a lot faster than what he was used to. 

That experience led to a three goal performance which came a day after Connor Bedard scored three goals in the Blackhawks win over the Blues. 

"Just to go play my game," Walker said on what his mindset is going into training camp. "Whatever role they need, try to fit that. Try to bring my speed and just try to prove that I belong."

The thing about Walker is his speed is so valuable. It can be utilized in the top-six or the bottom-six and no one is going to complain about their linemates speed if they are on a line together. 

If Walker were to make the team out of camp it would likely be in a bottom-six role but if someone in the top-six were to be injured, Walker would probably be the first to slide into that role. 

Other notes

Before the game against the Blackhawks the Wild announced they signed Jujhar Khaira to a one-year, two-way contract that earns him 775K in the NHL. 

This is a depth move for the Wild and may be a move that provides some extra insurance if there is an injury in camp or if someone isn't ready to go at the start of the season. 

The Wild now have roughly $868K in cap space with Calen Addison unsigned, according to Puck Pedia.

With training camp starting on Thursday, Addison has to be signed to participate in camp. Might be something to keep an eye on.