Oilers sign prospect William Nicholl to entry-level contract

Some prospect experts have said he might have a late-round steal. In the Oilersnation Summer Prospect Ranking, Nicholl was ranked seventh amongst Oilers’ futures. 

Daily Faceoff prospect analyst Steven Ellis said he’s a strong skater who’s as good without the puck as he is with it. 

“Taken 196th overall, Nicholl has emerged as the London Knights’ second-line center alongside Easton Cowan and is on pace for more than 60 points. He was a depth forward with just 20 points in 65 games last year, but his game started to come alive as the team won the OHL championship,” Ellis said before this season began.  

“Nicholl is an excellent skater who brings speed and energy to every shift. I think his ability to handle the puck on the rush – and at speed – has improved, making him more dangerous in the process. Given that he was one of the last picks in the draft, there’s a lot to like, and I think he’ll push his way up the Oilers’ depth chart as time progresses. Once known more for his off-puck play, I’m glad Nicholl has taken control offensively, too.”

Nicholl and his London Knights team are the reigning Memorial Cup Champions, having been to the final the last two seasons. He’s dressed in nine Memorial Cup games and a total of 38 playoff games in his junior career. Overall, he’s produced two goals and 17 points.

On Tuesday night, the Soo Greyhounds took a 3-0 series lead against the Knights. Nicholl has one year of junior eligibility remaining.