Willander could join Vancouver Canucks as soon as this weekend
Vancouver Canucks top prospect Tom Willander is on the verge of starting his professional hockey career.
Willander and Boston University will face off against Ohio State in the first round of the NCAA Toledo Regional tomorrow. Boston University’s season will be over if they lose, giving players like Willander the chance to sign a professional contract and leave the college ranks.
If Boston University keeps winning, their season could go until April 12, the final day of the Frozen Four. Whenever they do lose, contract talks between the Canucks and Willander’s camp are sure to pick up.
The Canucks drafted the smooth-skating Swedish defencemen with the 11th pick in the 2023 NHL draft. His development has been tracked closely since then. He’s played in the NCAA for the past two seasons, finishing with two goals and 22 points in 35 games this year.
The 20-year-old was one of Sweden’s top players at the most recent World Juniors, finishing with five points in seven games.
While there is the option to stay in school, all signs point to Willander turning professional after this season. Many other highly rated NCAA defencemen have left after two years, including Luke Hughes, Lane Hutson, and Jake Sanderson in recent years. Willander’s development would likely be better served playing against men rather than staying for a third season at Boston University.
If the Canucks sign Willander after this NCAA season, he could start in the AHL or NHL, although with the team amid an intense playoff race and deep on the blue line, there’s no pressing need for him at the highest level. He’s right-handed, so he’ll be competing with Tyler Myers, Filip Hronek, and Victor Mancini for a spot on that side.
Willander projects as a two-way defenceman who can shut down opponents with his strong skating ability. At 6-foot-1, he has good size for the position and is a minute-muncher who has played in all situations at Boston University.
With Jonathan Lekkerimäki holding down a spot on the NHL roster, Willander is the organization’s top prospect. He’s the team’s most recent first-round pick, as they traded their 2024 selection for Elias Lindholm.
Willander’s development is crucial to the Canucks future plans. While the team upgraded its defence corps significantly this season, having contributors who can chip in on their rookie contract is a massive boon for any team. If Willander can play legitimate NHL minutes over the next few seasons, that would be a massive benefit for the organization,