by Alex Thomas | AHL On The Beat
June 28, 2014. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
That’s a start Daniel Walcott‘s professional hockey journey. It was on that day, in that city, that the New York Rangers made Walcott 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 Wolf Pack. Little did anyone know that last season’s appearance against the Bridgeport Sound Tigers would be Walcott’s last as a member of the Wolf Pack for more than a decade.
In June, Walcott moved to the Tampa Bay Lightning for a job. He would spend 10 seasons in the organization, playing in a record 494 games with their AHL affiliate, Syracuse.
The crunch.
On Thanksgiving Day 2025, Walcott completed his full-circle tour by inking a professional tryout deal to return to Hartford.
“Anytime you get a chance to put on the gear and play professional hockey, one step away from the NHL, it’s a privilege,” Walcott said. “It’s hard to believe it’s been 10 years since I first put on a Wolf Pack jersey, so coming back after all this time and reconnecting with some of the staff feels like a full circle. There’s a lot of experience that comes with time in this league, and I’ve enjoyed every minute of being back in Hartford.”
Walcott’s return was not what seemed on the cards. The veteran entered training camp with both the NHL’s Florida Panthers and the AHL’s Charlotte Checkers in separate tryouts. It wasn’t until November that the opportunity to return to Hartford presented itself.
Walcott joined the Wolf Pack for his first training session on Dec. 1, jumping in line with the rookie forwards Carey Terrance again Kalle Väisänen. His presence was immediately felt on December 5, in his first game back with the Wolf Pack, when he scored Väisänen’s first career AHL goal.
Walcott’s main goal is to help the Wolf Pack get back to the Calder Cup Playoffs this spring. He also knows very well that since he is a veteran in this league that is part of his role
showing players like Terrance and Väisänen the ropes.
It is something he has accepted.
“I’m proud to be the best teammate I can be, especially for the young players coming into the league,” said Walcott. “Kalle and Carey are extremely talented, and sometimes all a player needs is a reminder of why they’re here.
“If my strength 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 guys grow into NHL’ers is one of the most rewarding parts of being a veteran.”
Returning to Hartford to mentor is part of Walcott’s full-circle experience this season.
More than 11 years after being drafted, Walcott scored his first goal as a member of the Rangers organization on December 20 against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms in a 2-1 loss
shooting loss.
It was, literally, a long time coming.
“It only took 11 years to get one like the Wolf Pack, to feel good,” Walcott said with a laugh. “I’m happy to be able to contribute offensively and help the team. Obviously, you always look for those moments to win, but getting a point in that game is still important. It was a special moment, and hopefully the first of many.”
Perhaps Walcott’s most special moment of the season came when he returned to Syracuse to take on the Crunch on Dec. 13. That game also marked the 500th of his AHL career.
An emotional night and a historic night, befitting his once-new team, against the team he was a part of for ten years.
“Syracuse is where I really grew as a professional on and off the ice,” he said. “I came in as a 21-year-old defenseman in a veteran locker room, learned from great leaders, played for the Calder Cup my sophomore year, moved to full forward, missed the entire season due to shoulder surgery, got called up to my first NHL game, and eventually became the franchise leader in games played.
“It’s also where I met my wife and started our family. All the things that made me the person and player I am today. Coming back for game number 500 was incredibly meaningful and great. The Crunch did an unbelievable job with the honor, and the applause from the fans made it even more special. It was one of those moments that put everything into perspective.”
With his return to Syracuse and the historic night now behind him, Walcott can really look to put his stamp on the Wolf Pack organization.
Once a young defender with the club ten years ago, Walcott is now a veteran winger looking to guide the next generation of young Wolf Pack players into the future.
A full circle indeed.
