The Vancouver Canucks have officially signed promising Swedish defenseman Tom Willander to a three-year, entry-level contract, the team announced on Friday. The move signals a significant step in the organization’s development pipeline, as the 2023 first-round draft pick is now set to begin his professional journey with the Canucks.
Willander, 19, was selected 11th overall by Vancouver in the 2023 NHL Draft and has quickly emerged as one of the organization’s top defensive prospects. The 6-foot-1, 180-pound blueliner recently completed a standout freshman season at Boston University, where he impressed scouts and coaches alike with his smooth skating, high hockey IQ, and defensive reliability. In 38 games for the Terriers during the 2023–24 NCAA season, Willander recorded 25 points (4 goals, 21 assists) and was a steady presence on the team’s top defensive pair.
Known for his poised decision-making and ability to transition the puck quickly out of the defensive zone, Willander also played a key role for Sweden’s U20 national team at the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship. His performance further cemented his status as a cornerstone prospect within the Canucks organization.]
“Tom is a very intelligent two-way defenseman who plays with maturity beyond his years,” said Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin in a statement. “We have been impressed with the development he showed at Boston University and believe he’s ready to take the next step in his career. We are excited to have him in our system and look forward to seeing his continued growth.”
The signing comes at a time when the Canucks are placing a renewed focus on building from the back end. With current veterans like Quinn Hughes anchoring the defense, the addition of a young talent like Willander adds depth and future potential to the blueline. It’s unclear whether Willander will compete for an NHL roster spot out of training camp this fall or begin his pro career in the AHL with the Abbotsford Canucks, but he is expected to challenge for NHL minutes sooner rather than later.
The contract will officially begin with the 2024–25 season. With Willander now under contract, Canucks fans can look forward to watching a potential future top-pair defenseman develop within the organization.
Leave a Reply