Congratulations are in order for Edmonton Oilers prospects Sam O’Reilly and William Nicholl, who played pivotal roles in helping the London Knights capture their second consecutive Ontario Hockey League (OHL) championship. The Knights’ triumph marks a remarkable achievement for the storied junior franchise and underscores the continued development of two of the Oilers’ brightest young stars. As the London Knights hoisted the J. Ross Robertson Cup once again, O’Reilly and Nicholl’s contributions were front and center, showcasing their growth, resilience, and readiness to compete at the highest levels of the game.
Sam O’Reilly, a fourth-round pick by the Oilers in the 2023 NHL Draft, has been a revelation for the Knights throughout the 2024–25 OHL season. Known for his versatility, hockey IQ, and strong two-way game, O’Reilly elevated his performance when it mattered most. His offensive instincts and defensive reliability allowed him to flourish in all situations, from even strength to special teams. In the regular season, he posted career-high numbers and showed noticeable improvements in puck control, positioning, and leadership. The playoffs, however, were where O’Reilly truly shined. He consistently generated scoring chances, shut down opposing top lines, and played with a level of poise that belied his age. Whether anchoring the penalty kill or driving play on the power play, O’Reilly emerged as one of London’s most trusted and impactful skaters.
William Nicholl, selected by the Oilers in the 2024 NHL Draft, wasted no time establishing himself as a critical piece of the Knights’ blue line. A smart, mobile defenseman with a booming shot and an ability to transition the puck quickly, Nicholl embraced every challenge thrown his way. What stood out most was his maturity and composure under pressure. Despite being a younger player on the team, Nicholl played like a seasoned veteran. He logged significant minutes, often matching up against the best forwards the OHL had to offer. His breakout passes consistently kickstarted offensive rushes, and his presence in the defensive zone helped London remain one of the most structurally sound teams in the league. As the playoffs progressed, Nicholl’s confidence grew, and his steady presence on the back end became indispensable. He not only recorded key assists and timely goals but also played with the kind of physical edge and tenacity that fans in Edmonton will surely come to appreciate.
The Knights’ path to a second straight OHL title was anything but easy. In a league known for its parity and high-level talent, repeating as champions requires extraordinary depth, discipline, and buy-in from the entire roster. London’s coaching staff, led by the legendary Dale Hunter, once again masterminded a blueprint for success. But even the best systems are only as effective as the players executing them, and that’s where O’Reilly and Nicholl excelled. Both players embraced their roles and brought intensity, skill, and leadership to a team filled with promising talent. Their synergy with teammates was evident in every shift, as they helped drive the Knights through hard-fought series and difficult moments, often making the difference in games that could have gone either way.
London’s playoff run was filled with defining moments, and O’Reilly seemed to be involved in many of them. From scoring a dramatic game-winner in a double-overtime thriller to shutting down elite forwards in the conference finals, O’Reilly delivered time and again. His ability to rise to the occasion made him a fan favorite in London and drew praise from scouts and analysts across the league. His game has continued to evolve since the Oilers drafted him, and he appears on track to challenge for a spot in the AHL, or potentially even the NHL, within the next year or two. O’Reilly has the makings of a reliable middle-six forward at the professional level, with upside to contribute offensively while also taking on key defensive assignments.
Nicholl, meanwhile, proved himself to be one of the most promising young defensemen in junior hockey. His steady climb throughout the season culminated in a playoff stretch that featured impressive individual performances and team-first mentality. While he didn’t always show up on the scoresheet, Nicholl’s impact was felt in more subtle but equally important ways. He cleared traffic in front of the net, absorbed forechecking pressure, and made high-percentage plays that kept London in control of possession. Coaches leaned on him in big moments, and he responded by playing his best hockey when the stakes were highest. That kind of development is exactly what NHL organizations hope to see from their young prospects, and the Oilers should be thrilled with the trajectory Nicholl is on.
What makes this championship even more special is how it reflects the London Knights’ culture of excellence. Year after year, the organization produces high-caliber NHL talent, and players like O’Reilly and Nicholl are the latest examples of that success. Under the guidance of Dale and Mark Hunter, the Knights maintain an environment that demands accountability, fosters growth, and rewards hard work. It’s no coincidence that so many London alumni have gone on to thrive in the NHL. The discipline, preparation, and attention to detail instilled in players throughout their time in London prepares them well for the next level, and that bodes very well for the future of both O’Reilly and Nicholl.
For the Oilers, this championship represents more than just a feather in the cap of two of their prospects. It’s a tangible sign that the organization’s draft strategy is yielding results. Both O’Reilly and Nicholl were selected outside of the first round, highlighting the importance of strong scouting and development processes. The Oilers have faced criticism in the past for lacking depth in their prospect pipeline, but the performances of these two young players offer reason for optimism. If they continue on their current path, they could soon be contributing in Bakersfield or even cracking the NHL lineup, adding important pieces to a team chasing Stanley Cup contention.
The celebration in London following the Knights’ second consecutive championship was electric. Fans packed Budweiser Gardens, waving green and gold flags and chanting for their hometown heroes. The atmosphere was a reminder of the unique magic of junior hockey — where young athletes chase their dreams, forge lifelong memories, and play for the love of the game. For O’Reilly and Nicholl, the experience of winning back-to-back titles will serve as a foundation for their future careers. Few players ever get the chance to be part of such a dominant run, and the lessons learned — about sacrifice, team play, and perseverance — will stay with them as they transition to the pro ranks.
As the summer approaches, both players will turn their attention to the next phase of their development. O’Reilly is expected to attend Oilers development camp, where he’ll be evaluated alongside the organization’s top young talent. He’ll be looking to make a strong impression, and if his recent form is any indication, he has every chance to do just that. Nicholl, too, will likely earn an invitation to camp and could see additional time with pro staff, giving him a taste of the next level. These opportunities will be crucial as the Oilers chart a path for their growth, and both players should approach them with confidence earned through championship success.
