Foote explains why Vancouver Canucks are playing Willander in unorthodox role
It often seems taboo in today’s NHL to play a defenceman on his off side.
However, that’s exactly where Tom Willander will skate, at least at the beginning of the Vancouver Canucks game against the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday night.
At the Canucks first morning skate following a winless six-game road trip, Willander lined up on Vancouver’s third pair, alongside Victor Mancini.
Foote gave some context as to why the Canucks wanted to play him there.
“It’s always great to learn that,” Foote explained. “Imagine one day he can play for his country, and if he can’t play the left side…there’s other ways to look at it.
“If you’re a great defenceman in this league, like, Fil [Hronek] can play his wrong side, you can flip.”
Willander has perhaps even surprised himself by playing most of the season with the Canucks. While there have undoubtedly been some rookie growing pains, the 20-year-old has largely handled himself well.
This isn’t the first time he’s been tested in a different situation by the Canucks. Up until a few games ago, the Canucks tested Willander out as a power play quarterback even though he didn’t regularly play there in college.
In terms of playing on his off side, Foote doesn’t think it’s as big a deal as some may believe.
“Honestly, I played lacrosse, and I liked playing on my wrong side when I played,” he said. “It’s not what people think.”
“There’s a little bit of adjustments in the neutral zone,” he said. “You have to just position a little wider because your stick’s on the inside, things like that, but it’s not going to affect him. He’s got good enough hands on the blue line if a puck comes up.”
Of course, in a season that’s become more about development than winning, this is a test that may not be long-term.
“We’re gonna watch it,” Foote said. “I mean, do we love it right now? No. But is it great for a player that someone values that in you and can teach you that? It’s a good thing.”
When Mancini spoke to the media on Saturday, he wasn’t too concerned about passing to a fellow rookie defenceman playing on his off side.
“There are very minor things,” he said. “You know, you’re passing to a righty, not a lefty, but it’s just hockey at the end of the day.”
Foote believes that Willander playing in an unusual spot is a testament to where he is in his development.
“If we’re doing it, it shows you how we value him and what his potential is,” he said.