The Vancouver Canucks have moved William Lockwood to injured reserve after he left yesterday’s game following a hit from Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Jack Johnson. He wouldn’t return and has quickly been ruled out for at least seven days – the minimum stay on IR.
Lockwood, 24, had only recently become a regular in the Vancouver lineup, playing 12 of his 13 appearances this season since New Year’s Eve. He hadn’t recorded a single point during that stretch though (his only assist came in a November game), and was receiving only around 10 minutes a night.
Despite his relatively small stature, Lockwood plays with a high motor and level of intensity, resulting in plenty of hits and board battles. If he can generate even a little offense, the 24-year-old could be an excellent full-time member of the team’s bottom six.
For now, though, he’ll have to wait and watch while he deals with whatever injury he suffered last night. In his place, Phillip Di Giuseppe has been recalled from the minor leagues.
The 29-year-old Di Giuseppe has 27 points in 29 games for the Abbotsford Canucks but hasn’t appeared in an NHL game this season.