by Alex Thomas | AHL Rhythm
June 28, 2014. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
This is the starting point Daniel Walcott’s journey into professional hockey. On that day, in that city, the New York Rangers selected Walcott with the 140th overall pick in the 2014 NHL Draft.
Less than a year later, on April 19, 2015, Walcott made his professional debut as a member of the Hartford Wolfpack. Little did anyone know that a late-season game against the Bridgeport Sound Tigers would be Walcott's last as a member of the Wolfpack for more than a decade.
Walcott was moved to the Tampa Bay Lightning in a trade that June. He stayed with the team for 10 seasons, playing a franchise-record 494 games with AHL affiliate Syracuse.
Austerity.
On Thanksgiving Day 2025, Walcott signed a pro tryout agreement, completing his full journey and returning to Hartford.
“Anytime you get the opportunity to put on gear and play professional hockey and be just a step away from the NHL, it’s an honor,” Walcott said. “It's hard to believe that it's been over 10 years since I first put on a Wolf Pack jersey, so it definitely feels complete to come back and reconnect with some of the staff after this time. There are a lot of perspectives that come with time in this league, and I'm grateful for every moment of being back in Hartford.”
Walcott's return does not appear to be planned. The veteran forward attended training camps with the NHL's Florida Panthers and AHL's Charlotte Checkers for separate tryouts. There was no chance of returning to Hartford until November.
Walcott joined the Wolfpack for his first practice on Dec. 1, jumping with the rookie forward Carey Terrance and Kale Vesanen. In his first game back with the Wolfpack on Dec. 5, he scored Vesanen's first career AHL goal, and his presence was immediately felt.
Walcott's main goal is to perform well this spring and help the Wolfpack return to the Calder Cup playoffs. He also knows that as a veteran of this league, part of his responsibilities is to
Showing players like Terrance and Väisänen the ropes.
This is what he accepted.
“I take a lot of pride in being the best teammate I can be, especially for young players coming into the league,” Walcott said. “Kahler and Kyrie are so talented and sometimes all a player needs is a reminder of why they're here.
“If my energy and north-south style can help simplify the game, create space and allow them to play with confidence, then I've done my job. Watching young men develop into NHL players is one of the most rewarding parts of being a veteran.”
Returning to Hartford as a mentor is just part of Walcott's full experience this season.
Eleven years after being drafted, Walcott scored his first goal as a member of the Rangers on December 20 against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms in a 2-1 victory.
Lost the penalty shootout.
It's no exaggeration to say that's a long time.
“It only took about 11 years to get a pack, so it feels pretty good,” Walcott said with a laugh. “I'm just happy to be able to contribute offensively and help the team. Obviously, you always want these moments to lead to a win, but it's still important to get a point from that game. It was a special moment and hopefully the first of many.”
Perhaps the most special moment of the season for Walcott came when he returned to Syracuse on Dec. 13 to face the Crunch. That game also marked the 500th game of his AHL career.
It was an exciting night, and a monumental one, as he transformed his old team into a new one against the team he had played for for ten years.
“Syracuse is where I really grew as a professional on and off the ice,” he said. “I entered a veteran locker room as a 21-year-old defenseman, learned from great leaders, played in the Calder Cup my second year, transitioned to a full-time forward, missed an entire season due to shoulder surgery, earned my first NHL call-up and game, and ended up becoming the team's games leader.
“It was also here that I met my wife and started our family. Everything shaped me into the person and player I am today. Being able to come back for the 500th game was very meaningful and very serendipitous. The Crunch did an incredible job with the tribute, and the applause from the fans made it even more special. It was one of those moments that really made everything click.”
With a return to Syracuse and a milestone night behind him, Walcott can really look forward to leaving his mark on the Wolf Pack organization.
Once a young defender at the club a decade ago, Walcott is now an experienced leader playing on the wing and looking to guide the next generation of young Wolfpack players into the future.
A circle indeed.
