The Vancouver Canucks have signed college forwards Marc Michaelis and William Lockwood to contracts. The deals come at a time where college hockey is over and all North American hockey is suspended during the global pandemic. The signings were announced Thursday afternoon.
#Canucks sign forward Marc Michaelis to a one-year contract.
"Marc has exceptional offensive instincts and proven leadership," said #Canucks GM Jim Benning. “We look forward to adding his skill and playmaking ability to the franchise." https://t.co/TKK9By3PYW
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) March 19, 2020
#Canucks sign forward Will Lockwood to a two-year contract.
"Will is a hard-working, two-way winger with natural scoring ability," said #Canucks GM Jim Benning. "He plays with urgency and creates chances for himself and his teammates."https://t.co/9G9loWGrqD
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) March 19, 2020
Vancouver Canucks Marc Michaelis, William Lockwood
Michaelis originally hails from Germany where he was a productive scorer in that county’s junior leagues. He went undrafted coming to North America but has been a good player for the NCAA’s Minnesota State (Mankato). Michaelis ends his college career with 39 goals and 86 points in 73 games. His university had a very real chance to win the NCAA hockey championship this season but Michaelis’ next game will likely be in Vancouver’s farm system. He looks like a strong two-way player that can play in the middle-six if he reaches the NHL.
Lockwood was Vancouver’s third-round pick in the 2016 Draft. He has been playing with the University of Michigan since that time and has been an average player. Lockwood has 37 goals and 85 points in 115 games for the Wolverines. He doesn’t have a high ceiling but he works hard and does a lot of the little things necessary to succeed.
What To Expect From the Signings
The NCAA level is transforming into a solid source of potential talent for NHL teams. The Canadian junior leagues still produce more professionals than universities but the gap could close if more college players produce at a high level. Both Lockwood and Michaelis could play roles in the NHL in the next several seasons. We just don’t know when their next games will be while play is suspended.
College still has a number of interesting free agents available. Teams looking for an extra edge could find an overlooked diamond if they invest just a small amount in scouting the NCAA level more aggressively. They might just find the next Torey Krug if they do.
