Sean Walker is gearing up for his second season with the Carolina Hurricanes, and expectations are high for the defenseman to make a significant impact. After signing a five-year, $18 million deal with the Hurricanes before the 2024-25 season, Walker is looking to build upon his first year with the team and further integrate himself into their system.

Last season, Walker played in all 82 games, contributing five goals and 16 points. He also added a goal and three points in 12 postseason games, marking his first-ever playoff goal. While these numbers are respectable, there's a sense that Walker has more to offer as he becomes more comfortable with the Hurricanes' system.

The Hurricanes' defensive system, overseen by assistant coach Tim Gleason, is known to take time to learn. Several players, including Brent Burns and Shayne Gostisbehere, have taken a full season to adjust to the team's expectations. However, once players enter their second season, their performance tends to improve. Gostisbehere, currently in his second stint with the team, exemplifies this trend. The organization hopes that Walker will follow a similar trajectory and elevate his game in his second year.

One area where Walker could see increased responsibility is on the power play. With the departure of Brent Burns, the Hurricanes are seeking a new quarterback for the second power-play unit. Walker, as one of the few right-handed options on the team's blue line, has a good chance to take on this role. He saw some power-play time last season, averaging 35 seconds per game in the regular season and 40 seconds in the postseason. While he didn't register any power-play points, his game seemed to be trending upwards towards the end of the playoffs. If Walker can maintain that level of play, he could become a valuable asset on the power play.

Another factor that could contribute to Walker's success is the Hurricanes' recent acquisitions. The additions of players like Nikolaj Ehlers and K'Andre Miller have bolstered the team's overall talent and created a deeper roster. This added depth could take some pressure off Walker, allowing him to focus on his strengths and contribute in key situations.

Looking ahead to the 2025-26 season, Walker is expected to play a significant role on the Hurricanes' blue line. He is projected to pair with Jaccob Slavin, forming a reliable and experienced defensive duo. Other defensemen expected to contribute include K'Andre Miller, Jalen Chatfield, and Alexander Nikishin. With a strong defensive core and an improved understanding of the team's system, Walker is well-positioned to have an impactful second season in Carolina.