The Vancouver Canucks have been long absent from the playoff picture, meaning there’s ample opportunity for young players to secure themselves an NHL audition. Yesterday, it was Will Lockwood‘s turn.
The former University of Michigan captain entered his first professional season with the Utica Comets, but put himself on the Canucks radar during this season’s truncated training camp.
Lockwood put up decent numbers in Utica before their AHL season abruptly concluded, scoring four goals and 11 points through 24 games. So, the logical next step for him was a tryout with the big club.
As per usual, he took part in one of the NHL’s most celebrated traditions, the solo lap.
.@Canucks Will Lockwood gets his solo lap ahead of his #NHL debut this afternoon! pic.twitter.com/zBa3gyX8MA
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 18, 2021
Skating on what became the Canucks third-line alongside Jimmy Vesey and Travis Boyd, Lockwood came into this contest with a proclivity for a fast, tenacious game, and it’s safe to say he provided just that.
In his first NHL shift, he showcased an impressive forechecking ability, winning two board battles, one of which led to a shot on goal from Tyler Myers.
Later on in the first, he displayed some of his speed by burning Nikita Nesterov, bursting into the Calgary zone off a cross-ice outlet from Vesey.
Near the end of the first period, the Canucks third-line put together a nice sequence off a Lockwood dump. The rookie threaded a near-perfect pass to Vesey, which ultimately didn’t connect but generated four scoring opportunities for the Canucks.
The Canucks debutant played well with the two former Leafs, as they generated a team-leading seven chances as a line at even strength.
Lockwood’s defensive prowess was also visible at times. He filled gaps well to cut off passing lanes in the neutral zone.
Despite his 172-pound frame, Lockwood isn’t afraid to throw his weight around either, using the body to strip Brett Ritchie of the puck, leading to a chance that slipped through traffic in front.
The Michigan native’s rambunctious style of play was apparent early on; he possesses decent footspeed and can hold his own in the corners, perfectly summarized by his team-leading three hits and five hits taken.
Although, with a more aggressive style of play, there is an adjustment period to the NHL speed. Lockwood’s first NHL game also featured his first NHL penalty. He was called for tripping on Mark Giordano at the beginning of the third period.
Giordano fooled the 22-year-old with an excellent stutter step as Lockwood tried to poke the puck away from the Flames captain in stride. So, it was not so much a rookie mistake, but rather a veteran move.
As Lockwood begins to rack up NHL games, he’ll start to anticipate these moves from the opposition far better, rather than attacking the puck at full force.
The former Michigan Wolverine had another great opportunity in the slot, receiving a feed from Tanner Pearson near the end the game, which ended up deflecting high over the Flames’ net.
While the rookie didn’t feature on the scoresheet, his first NHL feature was an eventful one. Lockwood finished the game with 12:43 of ice time, two shots, three hits, and a blocked shot.
The 2016 third-round selection looks to be a nice find for the Canucks, as he has the tools to be an effective bottom-six player in the NHL.
As the Canucks season concludes today, Lockwood should hopefully get another look, and after another summer of training, expect him to be a factor at camp next year and push for a spot in the lineup next year.
What did you think of Lockwood’s debut, Canucks fans? Let us know in the comments!