Oilersnation’s Summer 2025 Prospect Countdown – No. 7: William Nicholl

As a rookie in 2023-24, Nicholl chipped in six goals and 20 points over 65 games for the London Knights. He saved his best for the playoffs, posting eight points in 18 games as the Knights captured the OHL Championship. They fell short in the Memorial Cup, but that playoff performance helped boost the young forward’s draft stock.

“Nicholl is a forward who shows unrelenting pace, textbook details, and flashes of high-level offence,” Elite Prospects aid in their Draft Guide. “He wins body positioning on everyone in every situation: Net front, along the boards, on the backcheck, on random opponents in open ice. His physical skills enable him to beat defenders off the wall, get inside, and fire off chances.”

This was the common thread with all four OHL forwards the Oilers selected in the 2024 draft. Sam O’Reilly, Connor Clattenburg, Dalyn Wakely, and William Nicholl all excel away from the puck, forcing turnovers and limiting opposing chances. Even if they can’t find offence at the pro level, each projects as a player who could eventually contribute to an NHL club in a bottom-six role.

In 2024-25, Nicholl stepped into a larger role with London and his offence took a major leap. He broke out with 21 goals and 57 points across 66 regular-season games, finishing fifth on the team with a plus-38 rating. In the playoffs, he added eight points in 17 games as the Knights completed the sweep, winning both the OHL Championship and the Memorial Cup.

Back in January, Steven Ellis of Daily Faceoff mentioned Nicholl as one of the top late-round steals from the previous summer’s draft.

“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. 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.”

Now 19, Nicholl will return to the London Knights for his third season with the club. With top players like Easton Cowen and Denver Barkey turning pro, the Ottawa native will be counted on to take on a bigger role. London remains loaded with talent (first-round NHL picks Sam O’Reilly and Henry Brzustewicz are expected back) and should be in the mix for a third straight OHL Championship.

Top Prospects Countdown…

• Honourable Mentions
• No. 10: Eemil Vinni
• No. 9: Paul Fischer
• No. 8: Dalyn Wakely