Former Vancouver Canucks Forward Reportedly Leaving North America After a Lack of Interest From NHL Clubs

The KHL has been a popular place for former Vancouver Canucks players in recent years and the 2025-26 campaign won't be any different as we've already seen a handful this summer put pen-to-paper to head there including forward Daniel Sprong, along with goaltenders Louis Domingue and Spencer Martin.

Those three could be joined in the league by another former Vancouver Canuck following a report that came out on Thursday afternoon from one of the KHL's top insiders.

In a post on Telegram on Thursday, KHL insider Artur Khairullin, who works for Russian media outlet Sport-Express, SKA St. Petersburg are reportedly interested in signing former Vancouver Canucks forward Will Lockwood.

Lockwood, a native of Royal Oak, Michigan, was a third round pick of the Vancouver Canucks back in 2016, and went on to sign his entry-level contract in March 2020 following four seasons in the NCAA with the University of Michigan.

The 27-year-old spent the most of his time in the Canucks organization down in the AHL, however he got his first opportunity in the NHL during the covid-shortened 2021 season, appearing in two games with the big club, along with 13 in each of the next two years.

After 28 games as a Vancouver Canuck, where he put up one assist, 11 penalty minutes and was a minue-12, the club traded him to the New York Rangers, along with a seventh-round pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, in exchange for Russian forward Vitali Kravtsov, who recently returned after a two-year stint in the KHL and was signed by Patrik Allvin to a one-year, two-way contract.

For the last two seasons, Lockwood was a member of the Florida Panthers organization and suited up for 84 games for their American Hockey League affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers, registering 45 points (22 goals, 23 assists).

Lockwood became an unrestricted free agent back on July 1st and so far, has been unable to find a new home for the upcoming season, however, it looks like there's a good chance the ex-Canuck will end up overseas.

Source: Belarushockey.com
SKA Interested in Former Florida Forward Will Lockwood