When the Jeff Jackson era began, there was a sense by some commentators, including myself, that there would be an increased focus on analytics and player development programming for the Oilers. Jackson’s prior employment was with Wasserman Agency, a player agent firm emphasizing analytical tools and development plans for players.

There has been some evidence that the Oilers have started down this path by hiring Michael Parkatti to manage an enhanced analytics program. While this does not correlate directly with the NHL draft, I am convinced the drafting of William Nicholl might be one of the strongest indications of the increasing influence of analytics in the Oilers organization. Nicholl was a 7th-round pick of the Edmonton Oilers in 2024.

Nicholls, a 6’0″ 183 lb. left-shot centre, had a pretty modest season with the London Knights. He registered 6-14—20 in 65 games during the regular season. What makes me think this was an “analytics” pick was his playoffs. In 18 games, Nicholl went 1-7—8 in a more enhanced role with the London Knights and was key cog in their penalty kill as the Knights went to the final of the Memorial Cup.

Why do I think the Oilers see Nicholl’s success in the playoffs as an indicator of what might come? It’s pretty simple: the London Knights are a very deep organization. Young players do not play big roles as young players. So their point totals are almost always depressed relative to their peers. When the roster turns over each year, the remaining younger players can play more minutes in better situations.

Eason Cowan would be the most notable recent example. Cowan went 20-33-53 in his draft year and promptly exploded to a 34-62—96 in his draft plus one year. Now, let’s be clear: William Nicholl is not Eason Cowan. Indeed, the Oilers’ first-round pick, Sam O’Reilly, also of the London Knights, might not develop like Cowan (although I think there is a very high chance of it). However, the Oilers have selected a player in Nicholl who has very good skills and will almost certainly have an opportunity to play an expanded role this year. For perspective, Nicholl’s played third and fourth-line minutes most of the season and some at left wing. When he moved to centre and got more ice time, he made hay personally.

So, what do the Oilers have in William Nicholl?  He has a very high work rate that is complimented by a very good skating stride. Take a look at this clip of Nicholl from the perspective of both his speed and his change of direction. Each facet of his skating is very good.

Here is another example of this skating-led style of forecheck that William Nicholl has in his game. He is constantly pressuring opposition players with the puck. He is also challenging to mark when the Knights have the puck because of his constant motion.

The other element of Nicholl’s game is his hockey sense. This player has a very strong defensive conscience and it translates to a really good 200-foot game. Watch this clip here and see how Nicholl constantly works to be a in a good spot defensively below the puck. In addition, notice when his team loses the puck, how he gets back into the low slot area to support his defencemen both in defending the slot and being available for outlet passes. The clip ends with him getting a very easy goal, but that all develops because he beats everyone back up the ice to get into a good spot.

For this season, success for William Nicholl will be playing increased minutes in more important situations with better-quality teammates. The more this happens, the more likely his scoring totals go up and the more he develops as an Oiler prospect.