Vancouver Canucks prospect Tom Willander may be making his NHL debut much sooner than expected, potentially as early as later this week.
The highly regarded defenseman, currently playing for Boston University, is on the verge of transitioning to professional hockey, with contract discussions hinging on his team’s performance in the NCAA tournament.
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Willander’s Boston University squad faced Ohio State in the first round of the NCAA Toledo Regional today. If BU loses, their season will end, opening the door for Willander to sign his entry-level contract with the Canucks. However, if they continue to advance, they could play until April 12, the date of the Frozen Four championship, which would delay any contract negotiations.
At the time this report was written, BU was in a commanding lead late in the third period, making it increasingly likely that their season will continue.
The Canucks have closely monitored Willander since selecting him 11th overall in the 2023 NHL Draft. The Swedish defenseman has shown steady development, recording two goals and 22 points in 35 NCAA games this season. Additionally, his strong performance at the World Junior Championship for Sweden, where he tallied five points in seven games, further solidified his status as one of Vancouver’s top prospects.
Although Willander has the option to return for another collegiate season, all indications suggest that he is ready to turn pro. Many elite NCAA defensemen, such as Luke Hughes and Jake Sanderson, have made the leap to professional hockey after two seasons, and Willander appears to be following a similar trajectory. Competing at a higher level in the NHL or AHL would likely accelerate his development more than another year in college.
Should he sign with Vancouver, Willander would either join the Canucks in the NHL or start in the AHL. With the Canucks pushing toward the playoffs and boasting solid defensive depth, there is no immediate pressure for him to step into the lineup right away. As a right-shot defenseman, he would compete with Tyler Myers, Filip Hronek, and Victor Mancini for ice time.
Standing at 6-foot-1, Willander plays a high-energy, two-way game and is capable of logging significant minutes. With Jonathan Lekkerimaki now in the NHL, he is considered Vancouver’s top prospect. His development will be crucial for the Canucks’ future, especially given the increasing importance of cost-effective players on entry-level contracts in today’s salary-cap-driven NHL landscape.
