William Lockwood

September 2024 – After developing for years in the Vancouver Canucks system, Lockwood has finally begun to establish himself at the NHL level with the Panthers. Lockwood played in 26 games for the Panthers last year, scoring one point across his time, averaging just over eight minutes a night. Outside of his NHL play, he established himself as one of the Checkers’ best players scoring at a near point-per-game rate with the AHL squad, his most successful AHL campaign yet. Lockwood likely will not get much NHL time with the Panthers as they’re looking to compete for the Stanley Cup again, but if he were to go to a team closer to being a playoff bubble team, Lockwood could get his first full season at the NHL level. That may not happen this year but should certainly happen by 2025-26. James Connelly

July 2023 – William Lockwood signed a two-year contract with the Florida Panthers as a free agent. Peter Harling

February 2023 – Now 24-years-old and in his third season as a pro, Lockwood has been traded to the New York Rangers for fellow reclamation project Vitali Kravtsov. Lockwood has proven to be an effective player at the AHL level but has failed to produce at the NHL level. Time is running out on Lockwood to break into the NHL. Peter Harling.

July 2022 – Lockwood has earned himself a new two-way contract with the Vancouver Canucks. The 24-year-old will be given every opportunity to make the big club out of training camp this season. While he may not be a shoo-in to make the opening night roster, he remains on the shortlist for promotion, should he fall short. Dave Hall

March 2022 – There is no denying that Lockwood impressed the masses during his brief two-game (NHL) stint during the 2020-21 season. Unfortunately, due to elevated play from most of the Canucks’ bottom-six units, he has yet to see any NHL action this year. However, with the trade deadline approaching, that may change soon. All-in-all, he continues to deliver his usual pacey, hard-nosed game in Abbottsford, while chipping in from time to time on the scoresheet. While it is safe to say that bottom-six may be his eventual cap, there is no denying that he can play the role to a tee. Peripherals, with a touch of offense, continue to be served up on a platter. Dave Hall 

May 2021 – Lockwood enjoyed a respectable rookie season with the Utica Comets. Playing predominantly bottom-six minutes, he put up 11 points (4G + 7A) and 17 PIMS over 24 matches. With a depleted Canucks forward group, the 22-year-old earned his first NHL promotion to close out the season. He took part in two matches and looked comfortable in each. Despite no points on the scoresheet, his pacey and tenacious game stood out among the group. His bottom-six trajectory continues to hold strong and his fearless, non-stop motor should keep him in the conversation for a potential spot out of camp. Although, it’s likely that he returns for a sophomore stint in Utica, in which case, expect him to be on a short-list for a mid-season call-up during the 2021-22 season. Dave Hall

March 2020 – After four seasons at the University of Michigan, Will Lockwood has signed a two-year ELC withe Canucks. This past season, the Wolverines’ captain saw his numbers dip as his surrounding talent lessened and his overall deployment with it. While it’s not a great sign for future success, the 22-year-old does have a history of providing some offense. His real attribute is his speed and tenacity. He plays an aggressive and fast-paced style that historically has taken a toll on his smaller frame. The assumption is the former third-round pick will see time in the bottom-six for Utica of the AHL next year although some time in the ECHL wouldn’t be surprising. Cam Robinson

March 2019 – Lockwood wrapped up his junior season at Michigan with 16 goals and 31 points in 36 NCAA games. In most circumstances, the NHL team who owns a player’s rights will make a big push to get them to sign rather than risk a fourth university season and the potential for unrestricted free agency. But in the case of Lockwood, due to reoccurring shoulder injuries, he’s been limited to just 82 collegiate games spread across three campaigns. GM, Jim Benning indicated that Lockwood would take time to consider his next move. A return to Michigan appears a realistic option, but if he does decide to sign, it’ll be off to slug for ice in Utica next fall amongst a host of forwards. Cam Robinson

December 2018 – The road back from injury is long and arduous. Will Lockwood will attest to that. But the junior Michigan winger is healthy and playing well for the Wolverines. He still brings the great speed and explosive hitting that put him on the map as a draft-eligible player, but he’s picking his spots a lot better these days. Something he needed to do in order to keep his shoulders from blowing out. His impact on the scoresheet has been tangible as well. The 20-year-old sits third in team scoring with 13 points in 14 games. He’s enjoying life on the top power-play unit with fellow-Canucks’ prospect, Quinn Hughes, and on the top line at even-strength. It will be interesting to see if the former third-round selection will turn pro at the conclusion of his NCAA season or head back for a fourth and final season thus opening the door to a potential free agent situation. Cam Robinson

May 2018 – Lockwood underwent successful surgery on his shoulder back in January. The original time frame for recovery was set at 6-9 months. The long-end of that will have him ready for training camp to begin his third season at Michigan. The short-end would allow Lockwood an opportunity to adequately train in the summer. Lockwood remains the only unsigned selection for the Canucks from the 2016 draft after the team decided to pass on Brett McKenzie, Cole Candella, Jakub Stukel and Rodrigo Abols. Olli Juolevi is the only signed selection thus far. Cam Robinson

January 2018 – Lockwood was forced from the tournament after his shoulder was injured once again in the outdoor game against Canada. It’s the same shoulder that has hobbled Lockwood on numerous occasions which doesn’t bode well for his robust style of play in the future. The 19-year-old showed well during his brief time in the tournament and leaves Buffalo with a bronze medal. There were reports that the injury may take him out of action for the remainder of the season, but we’ll wait for confirmation. Cam Robinson

December 2017 – Lockwood has been named to Team USA’s World Junior training camp today. The 19-year-old winger has been very strong in his sophomore season with the University of Michigan and looks like a strong bet to crack the national team. Lockwood brings terrific speed, tenacity and underrated offensive ability to the table and that jack-of-all-trades ability will work favourably wherever the coaching staff fits him into the lineup. Cam Robinson

November 2017 – Lockwood has looked very strong early on in his sophomore season. The former 64th overall selection from 2016 is displaying his tenacious brand of speed and skill for the University of Michigan Wolverines, scoring four goals and 11 points in 12 contests – good for a share of third most on the squad. He’s also been peppering opposing goaltenders with over three shots per contest. Lockwood is firmly on the radar to represent Team USA at the upcoming World Junior Championships from a bottom-six slot. Cam Robinson

June 2017 – The recent third-round selection had a blistering start to his NCAA career but suffered through injury and inconsistency in the back half. He finished his freshman campaign with eight goals and 20 points in 30 NCAA games for the University of Michigan. Lockwood continued to show his great speed and tenacious-style of play against bigger and more mature opponents and looks like a future middle six, complimentary winger. Cam Robinson

November 2016 – Lockwood gained exposure after a solid U18 tournament in the spring of 2016. His one goal and seven points in seven games were enough to convince Jim Benning and the Canucks to select the speedy winger 64th overall. Viewed by some as a bit of a reach, Lockwood has been proving those critics wrong with his early-season play for the University of Michigan Wolverines. Through eight contests, the 18-year-old has five goals and eight points to lead his team in scoring. Cam Robinson