Aussie Nathan Walker closer to NHL debut

Nathan Walker is a step closer to becoming the first Australian to play in the NHL after making the Washington Capitals' initial 23-man squad.

But the winger's NHL debut is far from guaranteed as the squad is assessed over the next month during the start of the season.

The 23-year-old Walker was drafted by the Capitals with pick No.89 in 2014, but has since played with their American Hockey League affiliate the Hershey Bears.

He impressed Capitals coach Barry Trotz in pre-season.

"He has an effect on the game. He may not be the most natural goal scorer, but he has (an) effect on pace of play, the zone play," Trotz is quoted as saying by News Corp Australia.

"He wears people out. He's in your face and gets people off their game, so there's a lot of good things about Nathan that you like."

Walker was born in Wales but spent his early childhood in Sydney before moving to Europe in pursuit of an ice hockey career.

The Capitals begin their season on Thursday against the Ottawa Senators.