Will Lockwood Bio
William Lockwood, born on June 20, 1998, is an American professional ice hockey right winger. A native of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, Lockwood developed his game through the United States National Team Development Program and the University of Michigan before embarking on a professional career in North America. He most recently played for the Charlotte Checkers of the American Hockey League (AHL) as a prospect to the Florida Panthers of the National Hockey League (NHL), and is currently an unrestricted free agent.
Selected 64th overall by the Vancouver Canucks in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, Lockwood has built a reputation as a hardworking, two-way forward. He shoots right, stands 5 feet 11 inches tall, and weighs approximately 172 pounds. His career has spanned multiple organizations, including the Canucks, the New York Rangers, and the Panthers organization, where he contributed at both the AHL and NHL levels.
Early Life and Background
William Lockwood was born on June 20, 1998, in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, a suburb in the Detroit metropolitan area well known for producing talented hockey players. Growing up in a region with a deep hockey culture gave Lockwood early and consistent exposure to the sport, and he quickly developed a passion for the game. He learned to play the right wing position and became a right-handed shot, traits he has carried throughout his career.
Lockwood’s path through youth hockey led him into the United States National Team Development Program (USNTDP), one of the premier pipelines for American hockey talent. While representing the USNTDP during the 2015–16 season, he posted 16 goals and 39 points across 79 games, a productive offensive output that helped him attract the attention of NHL scouts. His time with the program also provided international experience, laying the groundwork for his future selection to United States junior national teams.
Path to Hockey
Following his draft year, Lockwood committed to the University of Michigan, joining one of the most storied college hockey programs in the United States. In his freshman season, his impact was immediate and recognized. He earned the Hal Downes Trophy as the team’s most valuable player and the Dekers Club Award as the team’s top rookie, a rare double that underscored his importance to the Wolverines.
Lockwood continued to develop over his college years, taking on a leadership role during his senior campaign in 2019–20. Serving as team captain, he ranked second on Michigan in scoring with nine goals and 14 assists in 33 games. On March 19, 2020, he signed an entry-level contract with the Vancouver Canucks, officially launching his professional career after a successful and decorated college tenure.
Will Lockwood Career
Early Career (2021–2022)
Lockwood began his professional career in the Vancouver Canucks organization, splitting time between the NHL club and its AHL affiliate. He made his NHL debut during the 2021–22 season, providing the Canucks with a versatile forward capable of playing up and down the lineup. His transition from college hockey to the professional ranks required an adjustment period, but his work ethic and two-way game allowed him to earn trust with his coaching staff.
Throughout his early professional seasons, Lockwood continued to refine his game, focusing on skating, defensive responsibility, and consistency in the offensive zone. He became a reliable depth contributor for the Canucks, often used in energy roles and penalty-kill situations. His development path reflected the typical trajectory of a third-round draft pick who steadily climbed through the system.
Vancouver Canucks Era (2021–2023)
Lockwood spent the first several years of his NHL career with the Vancouver Canucks, the team that originally drafted him in 2016. As a young right winger, he provided speed and energy to the Canucks’ bottom-six forward group. Although he was not always a consistent presence in the NHL lineup, his AHL performances kept him within the organization’s plans, and he remained a prospect the Canucks were willing to develop further.
On February 25, 2023, Lockwood’s tenure with Vancouver came to an end when he was traded, along with a seventh-round pick in the 2026 draft, to the New York Rangers in exchange for forward Vitali Kravtsov. The move gave Lockwood a fresh opportunity with a new organization and marked the beginning of a new chapter in his professional journey.
New York Rangers and Florida Panthers Era (2023–Present)
After being acquired by the New York Rangers at the 2022–23 trade deadline, Lockwood finished the season with the organization before becoming a free agent. He did not sign a new contract with the Rangers, instead testing the open market. On July 2, 2023, Lockwood signed a two-year, two-way contract with the Florida Panthers, joining a deep and competitive organization coming off a Stanley Cup Final appearance.
Within the Panthers’ system, Lockwood was assigned to the Charlotte Checkers, Florida’s AHL affiliate, where he continued to play in a prominent role. His time with the Checkers allowed him to log significant minutes and contribute offensively at the minor-league level. Following the conclusion of his contract, Lockwood became an unrestricted free agent, leaving his next career move open as of the most recent reporting.
Driving Style and Strengths
Lockwood is recognized for his skating ability, work ethic, and two-way reliability as a right winger. He brings energy to the bottom of a lineup, is comfortable playing on the penalty kill, and uses his right-handed shot effectively in offensive-zone situations. Coaches have valued his willingness to play a responsible, team-first game while still contributing offensively when given the opportunity.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the defining moments of Lockwood’s career are his selection 64th overall in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, his NHL debut with the Vancouver Canucks, and his trade to the New York Rangers in February 2023. He also represented the United States at multiple international junior tournaments, capturing bronze at both the 2016 IIHF World U18 Championships and the 2018 World Junior Championships in Buffalo, New York.
Will Lockwood International Play
Lockwood has represented the United States in multiple international junior tournaments, contributing to medal-winning efforts at the under-18 and under-20 levels. His international résumé reflects his status as one of the top American-born prospects of his draft class.
IIHF World U18 Championships
During the 2015–16 season, Lockwood helped the United States national under-18 team capture a bronze medal at the IIHF World U18 Championships. The tournament provided him with valuable experience against high-level international competition and helped solidify his standing as a prospect heading into the 2016 NHL Draft.
World Junior Championships
Lockwood was selected to the United States under-20 team for the 2018 World Junior Championships held in Buffalo, New York. He helped the Americans win a bronze medal during the tournament, although he suffered an injury that was projected to sideline him for several months as he recovered.
Will Lockwood Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
William Lockwood was raised in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, a community known for its strong youth hockey tradition. While specific details about his parents and family background are not publicly documented in available sources, his development through the USNTDP and the University of Michigan reflects a supportive upbringing that allowed him to pursue elite-level hockey.
Personal Life
Lockwood, who is 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs 172 pounds, has kept much of his personal life private. There is no publicly available information regarding a spouse, partner, or children, and he has not publicly disclosed details about relationships outside of his professional career. His focus has remained on his development as a professional hockey player.
2025 Season Outlook
As of 2025, Will Lockwood is an unrestricted free agent following the conclusion of his two-year, two-way contract with the Florida Panthers. He most recently suited up for the Charlotte Checkers in the AHL, where he continued to play a meaningful role within the Panthers’ developmental system. With his contract expired, Lockwood is now evaluating his options and considering potential fits with NHL or AHL organizations for the upcoming season.
Lockwood’s combination of NHL experience, AHL production, and international pedigree makes him an attractive option for teams in need of a versatile right winger. His ability to play a responsible two-way game while still contributing offensively could appeal to clubs looking to add depth to their forward groups. Whether he returns to the Panthers organization or signs elsewhere, Lockwood will be looking to re-establish himself at the NHL level and continue building on the foundation he has laid throughout his professional career.