Former Vancouver Canucks prospect Connor Lockhart under investigation by police, suspended by OHL

Former Vancouver Canucks prospect Connor Lockhart, the team’s sixth-round pick from the 2021 draft, has been suspended by the Ontario Hockey League and the league’s Oshawa Generals.

Lockhart, 21, has been suspended indefinitely, the league said Wednesday, amid an investigation by Durham Regional Police was launched. Details of the investigation are not known.

The suspension comes after Lockhart, who was scratched in four straight games by the Generals, was acquired by the club in November 2023 from the Peterborough Petes for future third and fifth round picks.

The Canucks declined to offer Lockhart, who was drafted by the Benning regime, an entry-level contract last year, making him a free agent.

“This follows the team and League suspending Lockhart following a League and team Code of Conduct matter,” the league said in a statement. “Given that the matter is now under police investigation, the team and League will have no further comment at this time.”

According to The Athletic’s Katie Strang, Durham police declined to comment when reached on Wednesday.

Lockhart entered the OHL in 2019 with the Erie Otters after being selected third overall in that year’s OHL draft. He played two seasons there before the Petes acquired him ahead of the 2022-23 season. With the Generals this season, he’s appeared in 30 games scoring 20 goals and 39 points, ranking sixth in team scoring.

He represented Canada at the 2019 World u17 Hockey Challenge playing for Canada Red.

Zach Laing is the Nation Network’s news director and senior columnist. He can be followed on Twitter at @zjlaing, or reached by email at zach@thenationnetwork.com.