(Photo: Boston University Athletics, NCAA)
The Canucks have been very busy this morning after hiring a new Head Coach shortly they later announced that they have FINALLY signed top defence prospect Tom Willander. The Swedish Defence man was signed to a $855,000 3 year entry level contract. The contract includes $95,000 signing bonus.
Willander is a 20 year old right shot defence man which i may add are very hard to find nowadays. He is from Stockholm, Sweden and was selected 11th overall by the Vancouver Canucks in the 2023 NHL draft. He will now if he makes the team join a very solid blue line which is full of his country men. Willander spent his last 2 years at Boston University where he was a star for them on there blue line. Willander in University averaged 23 minutes of ice time where he was a lockdown on the blue line but he also showed some offensive firepower from the right side as well. He had 24 points this year in 39 games for the Terriers and he had a positive plus minus of plus 19. His performance this year on the Terriers blue line earned him a spot on the Hockey East Second Team All Star list for the 2nd year in a row. This Honour is voted by the 11 Head Coaches in the Conference so it is a pretty big deal Willander made this team.
Willander is known for is exceptional skating ability and his great playing making ability showcased in the 22 assists he racked up in 39 games this year. He has also been a very clutch player with the Terriers this season, as he provided the assist on the game winning goal in the Beanpot title game against Boston College. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/xrPe_Ek85aU
His development with the university has been closely monitored by the Canucks development coach Mike Komiasrek praising his hard work and dedication to get better each year.
Willander is set to join a very stacked Canucks blue line now his addition will be a welcome one to the team though as Vancouver will get another dynamic defence man who can maybe take the load off of Captain Quinn Hughes for a little bit. Canucks fans will closely be having there eyes on Willander this year as fans will be very excited to see his debut with the big club whenever it does happen.