D Tom Willander - Boston University, NCAA (2023, 11th, VAN)

[Jersey Fan 12]

Kids off to a great start

1 goal, 2 assists, +2 in 3 games so far

Tough to draw conclusions from the early season playing Holy Cross, Union, UConn and Harvard.

BU and Willander should be tested next weekend against the Fighting Sioux.

 

[sting101]

Who was making conclusions? And he's +4 which just adds to his on ice goal differential which is now a staggering +50 in 57 games in NCAA and international U20 play since being drafted. And his production in those games is 7 - 28 - 35pts

He has some puckhandling and decision making things to sort out so it's not a slam dunk but he's tracking extremely well. Lots to be determined

 

[Russian_fanatic]

Kid is the most underrated defensive prospect. He was names defensive prospect of the week.

5 games
2 goal
3 assists
+4

His IQ and defensive play was already NHL level, but the fact he has added a one timer to his repertoire is impressive. Willander is untouchable as far as Canucks prospects go. He's no longer a RHD with top 4 potential. He's a RHD who can carry a pairing, and has legit top pairing potential.

 

[M2Beezy]

He reminds me of Lidstrom but with more talent

 

[VanJack]

Given the state of the Canucks blueline these days, if Wilander signs at the end of the current NCAA season, I wouldn't rule it out that he joins the Canucks directly.

But if he spends any time at all in the AHL with Abbotsford, it won't be long.

 

[Raistlin]

Given the state of the Canucks blueline these days, if Wilander signs at the end of the current NCAA season, I wouldn't rule it out that he joins the Canucks directly.

But if he spends any time at all in the AHL with Abbotsford, it won't be long.

The bolded, and he is also clutch. I doubt he will ever touch Abbotsford. His defensive IQ is NHL level for a while now. Tocchet can plug him in the third pair at the very least, if his development continues throughout this year, by the end of his campaign he should have an opportunity to pair with Soucy and bump Myers down to #5 with Brannstrom or what not from the TDL.

 

[Eye of Ra]

He reminds me of Lidstrom but with more talent

You gotta be trolling