After sending defenseman Uvis Balinskis down yesterday, the Panthers didn’t waste any time filling their open roster spot. The team announced (Twitter link) that they’ve recalled winger William Lockwood from AHL Charlotte.
The 25-year-old is in his first season after splitting last year between the Canucks and Rangers, primarily suiting up with their AHL affiliates. He became a Group Six unrestricted free agent and inked a two-year, two-way deal with the Panthers on the second day of free agency.
Lockwood has split the season between Florida and Charlotte. He has gotten into seven games with the Panthers and has been held pointless while logging just 7:27 per night on the fourth line. Meanwhile, with the Checkers, Lockwood has fared much better, putting up three goals and four assists in 14 games with them so far.
Lockwood is three NHL games away from needing to pass through waivers again but with the Panthers now carrying 14 forwards on their active roster, playing time may be difficult to come by in the short term. Anton Lundell missed Florida’s last game due to illness but it’s not supposed to keep him out for long so Lockwood is likely to serve as a spare forward for the time being.