Tom Willander

May 2025 – After some extended drama, Willander and the Canucks agreed to a three-year entry-level contract for the club’s top prospect. Willander will look to make an immediate impact for the Canucks after spending the previous two seasons at Boston University. Nick Orr

April 2025 – Willander’s Boston University Terriers lost in the National Championship to Western Michigan. In the team’s two Frozen Four games, Willander picked up an assist against Penn State, but was held scoreless against the Broncos. Unfortunately, contract talks between Willander and Vancouver have hit a roadblock, as the Canucks’ top prospect has yet to agree to a deal. There is not one imminent, as both sides seem far apart in negotiations. This has become a big story for the Canucks’ organization, and one that is a big part of the future of the organization. Nick Orr

March 2025 – Willander’s Boston University Terriers wrapped up their regular season and were selected to the Toledo region in the NCAA tournament. Through the final 21 games, Willander had 13 points and was the Terriers’ top defenseman en route to their tournament berth. While we will not know the answer until after BU’s season concludes, the big question that remains is whether or not Willander will sign with the Canucks for the end of the season. There is a strong feeling that he will join the organization for next season, but this year is still up in the air. BU needs him to lead the team’s run to a National Championship. Nick Orr

December 2024 – Willander finished the 2023-24 campaign strong. He showed a developed offensive game with 25 points and continued his stingy defensive play, exemplified by a plus-28 rating. He is off to a good start and has quickly become Boston University’s best defenseman in his sophomore season. Through 14 games, he has nine points and is exhibiting his renowned skating ability. He plays on the top even-strength pair, power play unit, and penalty kill unit. Additionally, Willander was named to Sweden’s World Junior roster for the second consecutive year. He will look to continue playing well for the Terriers before showcasing himself again on the international stage. Nick Orr

January 2024 – This season has been one of changes for Willander. Firstly, it marks his debut not only in the NCAA but also in North America. Secondly, he participated in his first World Junior tournament for Sweden. In both of these new experiences, Willander has excelled, accumulating 12 points in 21 games in the NCAA and three points in seven games in the U20. It’s worth noting that, being part of a strong team at Boston University, Willander has not received the most ice time and consequently, hasn’t faced the toughest competition. It will be interesting to see what he can achieve when he becomes the focal point for his team. Cedrick Blais-Turcotte

June 2023 – Willander has been selected 11th overall by the Vancouver Canucks in the 2023 NHL Draft. Curtis Rines

April 2023 – Willander has gone a bit under the radar due to the plethora of more flashy defencemen in this year’s draft, but with a solid U18s, he could very well propulse himself into first-round discussions. Fleet-footed and rangy, Willander can skate circles around opponents to find a lane to exploit. He is reliable on the breakout, and solid defensively — both off the rush and in his own zone. His puck skills aren’t anything to write home about, but he gets shots on net and opens up the ice laterally for his teammates with the occasional change of sides.

While far from an offensive powerhouse, Willander is a very safe pick with room to add more to his game — namely on retrievals, where his lack of scanning can hold him back from making smart plays. Expect a second-round snag at worst for the 6-foot-1, right-handed defenseman. Hadi Kalakeche

April 2023 – Defense is Willander’s best asset, but success on the power play helped him become Rögle’s highest-scoring defenseman in the J20 Nationell this season. He reads the rush well, rarely gets caught out of position, and knows how to utilize his reach. He isn’t a particularly flashy player but he can effectively support or lead in every zone. Offensive play is not Willander’s strength, but he contributes by locating and reaching pass options and creating space. The U18s will be a great environment for Willander to demonstrate his reliable capabilities on a larger stage. Alexa Potack