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Sandman · 02-22-2026, 06:01 AM

Draft Thoughts:

Feb.22nd: The Halifax Mooseheads are 13th in the standings out of 18 teams, but rank 11th in goals-for, with a top-6 that contains the likes of Shawn Carrier, Liam Kilfoil, Quinn Kennedy, Connor MacPherson, Jasu Mensonen, and draft-eligible Oleg Kulebyakin. Their third-line C is a "W" -rated lefty by the name of Daniel Walters (6'0",193lbs), who the Mooseheads took in the first-round of the 2024 QMJHL Entry Draft, at 11th-overall; he is a mean and surly pivot with solid shut-down potential. Central Scouting has him as #147 on the list of North American Skaters in their Mid-Term Rankings.

Walters is a hard-nosed power-forward, with a robust physical game, an elevated battle level, and a high-motor. With 13 goals and 24 points in 53 games, to go with 98 PIM (projected to 15 goals and 28 points in 63 games, with 116 PIM), he may never be a big offensive producer, but he possesses good speed to dictate pace, decent puck-skill, and an elite compete level, to go with smarts and awareness in defensive situations- there is a reason as to why Halifax picked him in the first-round. In his own-zone, he is nicely detailed, displays good habits, and owns solid awareness of his surroundings; he identifies secondary threats, helps his D down low, and will switch off with them when they have to leave their post. He shows some proficiency on the faceoff dot as well, with a 51.4% win-rate, and will put his body on the line to block shots. Walters will drop the gloves if challenged; currently, he is second in the league in penalty minutes, but was the league-leader in that category earlier in February. He's hard-working, provides energy to his team, and plays on the edge- sometimes, going over it. In the other end of the rink, he plays a simple game with a specialty in going to the net to cause chaos, shows solid finishing ability with soft hands, and forechecks with purpose. Walters is not without skill, showing a capable passing game, an ability to make plays in tight spaces, and can generate opportunities for teammates with his tunnel-vision to the net- there are some who believe he could be a big offensive player in the Q over the next few seasons. He is undeterred by traffic, goes to the net, can play through checks, and will take a hit to make a play. I like this kid, and I think he might be worth a late-round pick, but he may be on the outside looking in come draft day.

02-22-2026, 06:01 AM	#2109
Sandman Franchise Player Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Calgary Exp:	Draft Thoughts: Feb.22nd: The Halifax Mooseheads are 13th in the standings out of 18 teams, but rank 11th in goals-for, with a top-6 that contains the likes of Shawn Carrier, Liam Kilfoil, Quinn Kennedy, Connor MacPherson, Jasu Mensonen, and draft-eligible Oleg Kulebyakin. Their third-line C is a "W" -rated lefty by the name of Daniel Walters (6'0",193lbs), who the Mooseheads took in the first-round of the 2024 QMJHL Entry Draft, at 11th-overall; he is a mean and surly pivot with solid shut-down potential. Central Scouting has him as #147 on the list of North American Skaters in their Mid-Term Rankings. Walters is a hard-nosed power-forward, with a robust physical game, an elevated battle level, and a high-motor. With 13 goals and 24 points in 53 games, to go with 98 PIM (projected to 15 goals and 28 points in 63 games, with 116 PIM), he may never be a big offensive producer, but he possesses good speed to dictate pace, decent puck-skill, and an elite compete level, to go with smarts and awareness in defensive situations- there is a reason as to why Halifax picked him in the first-round. In his own-zone, he is nicely detailed, displays good habits, and owns solid awareness of his surroundings; he identifies secondary threats, helps his D down low, and will switch off with them when they have to leave their post. He shows some proficiency on the faceoff dot as well, with a 51.4% win-rate, and will put his body on the line to block shots. Walters will drop the gloves if challenged; currently, he is second in the league in penalty minutes, but was the league-leader in that category earlier in February. He's hard-working, provides energy to his team, and plays on the edge- sometimes, going over it. In the other end of the rink, he plays a simple game with a specialty in going to the net to cause chaos, shows solid finishing ability with soft hands, and forechecks with purpose. Walters is not without skill, showing a capable passing game, an ability to make plays in tight spaces, and can generate opportunities for teammates with his tunnel-vision to the net- there are some who believe he could be a big offensive player in the Q over the next few seasons. He is undeterred by traffic, goes to the net, can play through checks, and will take a hit to make a play. I like this kid, and I think he might be worth a late-round pick, but he may be on the outside looking in come draft day.