The Edmonton Oilers have officially signed forward William Nicholl to a three-year entry-level contract. This agreement is set to take effect beginning with the 2026-27 NHL season. The announcement came on Wednesday, while Nicholl continues to compete in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Playoffs with the London Knights.
Current Playoffs Performance
The London Knights are currently facing a challenging first-round series against the Soo Greyhounds, trailing 3-0. The Knights aim to avoid elimination with a crucial game scheduled for Wednesday night.
Draft and Career Highlights
William Nicholl was selected by the Oilers in the seventh round of the 2024 NHL Draft, 196th overall. His rookie season with the Knights was modest; he tallied only 20 points over 65 games. However, his performance improved dramatically during the 2024-25 season.
2024-25 Season Achievements
In 66 games, Nicholl reached career highs, scoring 21 goals and providing 36 assists for a total of 57 points. His impressive performance earned him the fifth spot on the team’s scoring list. Additionally, he contributed significantly in the playoffs, helping the Knights secure the OHL Championship for the second consecutive year.
Memorial Cup Victory
With the Knights’ success, they also clinched the Memorial Cup, marking their third championship in franchise history, and their first since 2016.
2025-26 Season Recovery
Nicholl faced challenges at the start of the 2025-26 season due to an upper-body injury that required surgery in the offseason. He made his debut on New Year’s Eve and managed to score 15 goals and 11 assists in just 32 games.
Overall Career Statistics
Now, in 168 regular-season games in the OHL, Nicholl has accumulated:
- 43 goals
- 62 assists
- 105 total points
He has also added 17 points in 38 postseason games to his record.
Previous Success
Before joining the Knights, Nicholl showcased his talent with the St. Thomas Star in the Greater Ontario Hockey League. During the 2022-23 season, he earned the title of league rookie of the year by scoring 64 points in 43 games.
With his contract signing, the Oilers expect Nicholl to continue his development and contribute to the team’s future success.
