As the disappointing and dramatic regular season for the Vancouver Canucks concluded, a glimmer of positive news appeared. Prospect defenseman Tom Willander, the 11th overall selection in the 2023 draft, was anticipated to sign his entry-level contract with the team.
His Boston University team had reached the Frozen Four championship, with their season ending on April 12 following a 6-2 loss to Western Michigan. At that point, the Canucks still had two home games left in their regular season schedule.
However, the expected swift signing did not occur. Unlike fellow 2023 draft pick Ryan Leonard, who quickly joined Washington, Willander`s negotiation for his entry-level contract became prolonged due to a disagreement over bonuses.
Canucks President of Hockey Operations Jim Rutherford explained the situation, stating, “We have a structure for draft picks. This isn’t just about Tom Willander, it’s about what goes forward.”
This left the 20-year-old unsigned, with the possibility of returning to college for the 2025-26 season. Anxiety grew among the Canucks faithful as the delay continued, but relief finally arrived when both parties reached an agreement on his ELC.
Projected to develop into a top-four defenseman in the NHL, Willander is expected to be a crucial part of the Canucks` future defense corps. Whether he will start next season in the NHL or spend a developmental year in the AHL remains to be seen, and his performance at training camp this fall will be closely watched.
He has shown significant progress over his two seasons at Boston University. Speaking to Donnie and Dhali in early April, Boston University`s play-by-play announcer Bernie Corbett offered high praise for Willander, noting how he stepped up in his sophomore year after the team lost veteran players.
“I think he`s going to be a core guy for your club,” Corbett commented. “I think he`ll be a top four guy, no question. He`s got the all-around game. He`s certainly not one-dimensional.”
Corbett added, “He`s a guy who might run a power play. He`s a guy that defends well, plays well. He doesn`t get turned. If a guy goes wide, he`s very good at extending and keeping up and making up ground and ending plays. He`s real good at that. And a good shot blocker too.”
For a more detailed assessment of what the young Swedish defender will bring to the Canucks organization, we turn to our scout, Jason Bukala.
Scout`s Analysis: Jason Bukala on Tom Willander
Tom Willander: 6-foot-1, 190 pounds, Right-shot defenceman
NHL Projection: Top-four transitional defenceman, deployed in all situations
The Canucks securing Willander`s signature is exciting news for both the team and the player. He possesses the potential to mature into a top-four defenseman at the NHL level. He is an exceptional skater who already moves at NHL pace and effectively utilizes his quickness across all three zones.
An example of his skill is seen when he transitions the play from his own end, exploding up the ice and creating passing lanes for teammates with a strong middle lane drive.
This past season at Boston University, Willander averaged over 23 minutes of ice time per game. He was trusted in all situations and frequently matched up against opponents` top forward lines. While not primarily known for his physicality, he does not shy away from traffic or contact. He`s willing to engage in battles, but his standout defensive traits are his active stick and agility in tight areas, which are key to forcing turnovers.
His quickness and agility in small areas are particularly noteworthy. In defensive sequences, he demonstrates the ability to close quickly on zone entries, deflect the puck effectively, and reset with rapid feet and an active stick to disrupt plays, often leading to full-ice clears even while shorthanded.
Willander`s playing style at this stage of his development is reminiscent of Montreal Canadiens defenseman Mike Matheson. His elite skating allows him to influence the game across all three zones, arriving quicker than most opponents and posing a significant threat in open ice.
While he isn`t projected to be a high-volume goal scorer at the NHL level, his ability to be elusive and dangerous was showcased when he scored a goal during a 4-on-4 situation, illustrating how challenging he can be for opponents to contain.
Although the Canucks and their fans had to wait slightly longer than desired, the organization has successfully signed one of its top prospects. This is a significant moment for the team, and fans should be eagerly anticipating his performance at training camp this fall.