Thunder Acquires Forward Connor Lockhart in Three-Team Trade
Published on August 7, 2026 under ECHL (ECHL)
Wichita Thunder News Release
WICHITA, Kan. - The Wichita Thunder, ECHL affiliate of the NHL's San Jose Sharks, AHL's San Jose Barracuda and powered by Toyota, announced a three-team trade today involving Greenville and Wheeling. The details are as follows:
Wichita sends defenseman Nico Somerville and forward Oliver Tarr to Greenville for forward Dante Sheriff.
The Thunder acquired the ECHL rights to Connor Lockhart from Wheeling in exchange for forwards Dante Sheriff and Matt Crasa.
Today, the Barracuda announced that they have signed Lockhart to an AHL contract.
"We're thrilled to add a player of Connor's caliber to our hockey club," stated Head Coach Travis Clayton. "He brings an exceptional combination of skill and high-energy play and is coming off a highly productive season in Wheeling. We expect him to be an integral part of our team's success moving forward."
Lockhart, 23, is coming off a terrific season where he recorded 55 points (21g, 34a) in 70 games for Wheeling. A native of Ottawa, Ontario, the 5-foot-9, 185 pound forward turned pro in 2024-25, notching 30 points (12g, 18a) with the Bloomington Bison.
Prior to turning pro, Lockhart spent four seasons in the Ontario Hockey League with Erie, Peterborough and Oshawa. His best season came in the 2022-23 campaign. He was named an alternate captain and racked up 79 points (29g, 50a) in 66 games and won the OHL title. Overall, he recorded 213 points (88g, 125a) in 239 career games at the OHL level.
Lockhart was drafted by the Vancouver Canucks in 2021 (round 6, #178 overall).
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