Yesterday, the Canucks officially signed their top prospect in defenseman Quinn Hughes to an entry-level deal. A decision from their other Michigan prospect will take a little while longer as the team announced (Twitter link) that winger Will Lockwood is expected to wait until next week before choosing whether or not to turn pro.
Lockwood was Vancouver’s third-round pick (64th overall) back in 2016 and he just completed his junior season with the Wolverines. It was by far his best one as his 31 points (16-15-31) in 36 games matched his combined point total from his freshman and sophomore campaigns. The 20-year-old finished second to only Hughes in scoring in 2018-19.
By delaying his decision until next week, Lockwood won’t be able to reach the ten-game mark that would qualify as an accrued season and make him eligible for the Seattle expansion draft if he decides to forego his senior year. However, if he decides to stay at Michigan for next season, he will have played out his college eligibility and would be eligible to become an unrestricted free agent in August of 2020.
Maybe you, Will Lockwood, will get buyer’s remorse, where teammate Quinn Hughes may have been too close to the fumes to think clearly…but, you would miss out on playing with Brock Boeser, and EP40. Hughes will (hopefully) get that opportunity sooner rather than later (pay attention, Jim Benning), and you could enjoy that party, too. Also, don’t forget Travis has a great sense of humor. Most people on the outside don’t see it. Don’t ask Goldobin about that, though, as he’s probably still getting the scorch marks off his butt from the other night against Vegas (9:52 TOI & Minus 1). And, at some point you will get to meet Henrik & Daniel, two of the best in Canucks history. TMI? I report, you decide…