Oilers sign London Knights forward William Nicholl to entry-level contract

The Edmonton Oilers have signed London Knights forward William Nicholl to a three-year NHL entry-level contract beginning with the 2026-27 season.

Nicholl, 19, was selected by Edmonton in the seventh round, 196th overall, of the 2024 NHL Draft.

The Ottawa, Ont., native has spent the past four seasons in the Ontario Hockey League with the London Knights, developing into a reliable two-way forward on one of the league’s top teams.

Nicholl has recorded 105 points (43 goals, 62 assists) in 168 career OHL regular season games. His offensive game has taken a step forward over the past two seasons, including a 57-point campaign in 2024-25.

Despite missing time this season due to injury, Nicholl returned to the Knights lineup on New Year’s Eve and produced 26 points (15 goals, 11 assists) in 32 games, operating at nearly a point-per-game pace down the stretch.

A key part of a London team that has been among the OHL’s elite, Nicholl has contributed to deep playoff runs, including helping the Knights capture an OHL championship and compete at the Memorial Cup. He has appeared in 35 career playoff games, recording 16 points, and has dressed in nine Memorial Cup contests.

Known for his skating, energy, and ability to impact the game in all three zones, Nicholl has grown into a dependable centre capable of handling key minutes while continuing to add offensive production.

With the Knights once again in the OHL playoffs as they look to defend their title, Nicholl remains an important piece of London’s lineup in the postseason.