Walker did not play in the final three postseason games due to a shoulder injury, Walt Ruff of the Hurricanes' official site reports Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Walker had been dealing with a shoulder injury for the entire postseason, but a hit he took during Game 2 against the Capitals in the second round made it worse and forced him out of the lineup. The injury won't require surgery, and he should be ready for training camp in the fall. The 30-year-old scored a goal and added two assists in 12 postseason games.

Walker (undisclosed) will remain sidelined against the Panthers in Game 5 on Wednesday, Chip Alexander of The Raleigh News & Observer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Walker will be on the shelf for his third straight game due to his lingering undisclosed injury. With Jalen Chatfield (undisclosed) also missing out, the Canes will need to once again rely on Alexander Nikishin and Scott Morrow to fill out the blue line.

Walker (undisclosed) is not expected to be in the lineup for Game 4 against the Panthers on Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Walker's absence will stretch a blue line that is already without Jalen Chatfield (undisclosed). As a result, both Scott Morrow and Alexander Nikishin will be in the lineup again for the Hurricanes in a must-win Game 4. The 30-year-old Walker had been contributing offensively prior to getting hurt, generating one goal and two assists in his last four outings.

Walker (undisclosed) may not play in Game 4 against Florida on Monday, per Walt Ruff of the Hurricanes' official site.

EDGE Analysis

Walker sat out Saturday's 6-2 loss to Florida in Game 3, and he's currently doubtful for Game 4 on Monday. He has earned one goal, two assists, 24 shots on net, 16 blocked shots and 16 hits through 12 appearances this postseason. If Walker remains unavailable, Alexander Nikishin will presumably play in Monday's must-win matchup versus the Panthers.

Walker (undisclosed) won't play Saturday in Game 3 versus the Panthers, Walt Ruff of the Hurricanes' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Walker participated in part of warmups but ultimately won't be able to suit up for Game 3. The 30-year-old defenseman was a game-time decision after sustaining an injury he was able to partially play through in Game 2. Walker will be replaced by Alexander Nikishin in the lineup Saturday.

Walker (undisclosed) will be a game-time decision for Game 3 in Florida on Saturday, Cory Lavalette of the North State Journal reports.

EDGE Analysis

Walker participated in Saturday's morning skate, but he left the ice before the end of practice. Walker was injured in the second period of Game 2 against the Panthers on Thursday, playing only 9:52. Should Walker sit out Saturday's clash, look for rookie Alexander Nikishin to enter the lineup.

Walker (undisclosed) is questionable for Game 3 in Florida on Saturday, according to Ryan Henkel of The Hockey News.

EDGE Analysis

Walker was injured in Game 2 on Thursday. Head coach Rod Brind'Amour said Friday that Walker was "better than he thought he would be" and is considered iffy for Game 3. Should Walker be unavailable, look for Jalen Chatfield (undisclosed) or Alexander Nikishin to enter the lineup.

Walker (undisclosed) may not be available for Saturday's Game 3 versus the Panthers, Walt Ruff of the Hurricanes' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Walker was briefly knocked out Thursday's Game 2, but he was able to complete the contest. The 30-year-old defenseman has had to take on a larger role in the absence of Jalen Chatfield (undisclosed) in recent games. Should Walker be unavailable, Chatfield or Alexander Nikishin would be candidates to fill his spot in the lineup.

Walker produced a goal and an assist Monday in the Hurricanes' 5-2 win over the Capitals in Game 4 of their second-round series.

EDGE Analysis

Both points came in the third period as the 'Canes fended off a comeback attempt. Walker had been held off the scoresheet in eight straight games to begin the team's postseason run, and his role on the third pairing doesn't give him much of a fantasy ceiling after a regular season that saw him collect five goals and 16 points while playing all 82 games.

Walker logged an assist, four shots on goal and two hits in Wednesday's 4-2 loss to the Canadiens.

EDGE Analysis

Walker ended a six-game slump with his helper, a span in which he went minus-8. He's played a larger role recently with the Hurricanes cycling out defensemen for rest, but he's yet to step out of the lineup himself, though that could happen Thursday versus the Senators. If he plays, he'll have appeared in all 82 games for the first time in his career. Walker is at 16 points, 144 shots on net, 87 hits, 89 blocked shots, 44 PIM and a minus-7 rating through 81 appearances this season.