Walker Duehr: A Journey Through Waivers
On Monday afternoon, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman dropped a bombshell by announcing that San Jose Sharks forward Walker Duehr was once again on waivers. This move marks the latest chapter in Duehr’s rollercoaster career, which has seen him navigate the challenging waters of professional hockey with resilience and determination.
The Calgary Flames Era
Duehr’s professional hockey journey began with the Calgary Flames, where he was signed as a free agent during the 2021-22 season. Despite being undrafted, the Flames saw potential in the young forward from Sioux Falls, North Dakota, and decided to give him a shot. Duehr made his NHL debut that same season and quickly proved that he could hold his own at the highest level. Over the course of his three-and-a-half-year tenure with the Flames, he played in 84 games, scoring nine goals and contributing 19 points. While his statistics may not have been eye-popping, his dedication and versatility earned him a place in the team’s lineup.
AHL Experience
Before his NHL debut, Duehr spent significant time in the American Hockey League (AHL). He played 127 games with the Stockton Heat and the Calgary Wranglers, the Flames’ AHL affiliates, where he showcased a more prolific scoring touch. Duehr recorded 37 goals and 69 points in the AHL, demonstrating his ability to produce offensively and adapt to different levels of play. This experience was crucial in his development and helped him become a more polished player by the time he stepped onto the NHL ice.
The Transition to the Sharks
On Jan. 21, 2025, the Flames made the tough decision to place Duehr on waivers, effectively ending his tenure with the team. Within days, the San Jose Sharks claimed him, seeing an opportunity to add depth to their roster. Duehr’s transition to the Sharks was smooth, and he quickly found himself in the lineup. However, his time in San Jose has been brief, as he has only skated in eight games so far. During this stint, he managed to score two goals, bringing his NHL career totals to 11 goals and 21 points in 92 games.
The Challenges of Being a Waiver Player
Being on waivers is a daunting experience for any player, but for Duehr, it highlights the competitive and often unpredictable nature of professional sports. Waivers are a mechanism by which teams can try to move players without exposing them to a trade, and they can be a sign of a player’s value in the league. Duehr’s waiver history reflects the struggles he has faced in finding a permanent home and consistent playing time. Despite these challenges, his journey underscores his tenacity and the belief that he can contribute at the NHL level.
A Player’s Perspective
For Duehr, the waiver process is likely a mix of emotions. On one hand, it represents a chance to prove his worth and potentially find a new team that can offer him more opportunities. On the other hand, it is a reminder of the constant pressure and scrutiny that comes with being a professional athlete. Despite the ups and downs, Duehr remains focused on his game and continues to work hard, hoping that his next opportunity will be the one that leads to a more stable and fruitful career.
Looking Forward
As the hockey world watches to see where Duehr’s journey will take him next, his story is a testament to the perseverance and adaptability required in the sport. At 27 years old, he has already experienced a lot, but the future remains bright. Teams are always on the lookout for players who can contribute, and Duehr’s track record in both the NHL and AHL suggests that he has the potential to do just that. Whether he finds a new home soon or faces more challenges, one thing is clear: Walker Duehr is a player to keep an eye on.
