Nathan Walker of St. Louis Blues has to be part of NHL Australia games happening next season, says Elliotte Friedman

Nathan Walker was at the center of talks on the "32 Thoughts" podcast. The NHL has been looking to expand its international presence and create more opportunities for growth outside of North America.

On the "32 Thoughts" podcast, Elliotte Friedman discussed the upcoming game between the Los Angeles Kings and the Arizona Coyotes in Australia. Friedman and Marek discussed the possibility of having Nathan Walker, the first Australian-born player to make it to the NHL, play in the game.

Friedman had initially thought that the St. Louis Blues would be the logical choice to play in the game due to Nathan Walker's connection to the team. However, Marek argued that it made more sense to have Walker play in the game, regardless of which team he played for.

Friedman said on the podcast:

"I heard it was gonna be LA vs Boston I thought it would be St. Louis Blues because of Nathan Walker. You reported that there was a possibility of four teams going right? I think Blues would be one of them. You have to find a way to make him a part of it."

Marek highlighted the potential benefits of having Walker play in Australia. This includes inspiring young Australians to pick up hockey sticks and grow the game internationally.

"One of ours got to the NHL," Marek said. "You show up at these places, give people a taste of the NHL and all of a sudden kids wanna pick up hockey sticks and they're playing and you're popping the market, helping your international business, as far as growing the game of hockey, that’s what this is supposed to do. Makes the most sense to have Walker there."

Friedman joked that the only way to make sure Walker played in the game was for his agent to demand a trade to either the LA Kings or the Arizona Coyotes. Marek suggested a compromise where Walker could be "on loan" to one of the teams for the two games played in Australia.

"NHL has to on ramp this thing, maybe this could be like you do in soccer, he’s on loan to one of the teams for these two games."

Nathan Walker and more on Australia hosting NHL games.

The NHL has held international games for over 80 years. Marek noted that there were discussions about including the Boston Bruins and the St. Louis Blues, the latter of which has Australian-born player Nathan Walker. However, it appears that the Kings and Coyotes will be the chosen teams.

The NHL has played games in 15 countries. International expansion helps grow the game of hockey and is a way to increase the league's international business.

Nathan Walker, who grew up in Sydney, is the first Australian player to be drafted into the NHL and the first to play in the league. He is currently in his fourth season with the St. Louis Blues, following stints with the Washington Capitals and Edmonton Oilers.