Wes Walz had to leave the NHL to become a more complete player. Walz played 169 games with four franchises over parts of six NHL seasons. Unable to find a full time role in the NHL as a playmaker, Walz left to play in Switzerland. After 3+ seasons in Europe, Walz returned to the NHL to play for the expansion Minnesota Wild. He played a key role in Minnesota on the penalty kill. He score a franchise record 7 shorthanded goals in 2000-01 and is also the franchise career leader in SHG with 14. Walz was a finalist for the Frank Selke trophy, as top defensive foward in 2003.
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