Prospect Info: Tom Willander: 11th Overall 2023 Draft (Rogle BK J20) - Part 02

[tantalum]

Posters keep trying to dredge up scenarios on a Wilander trade for immediate defensive help.

But trading a guy like Wilander for a blueline 'band-aid' would be the biggest mistake Allvin could make. That's because he's a superb-skating, right-shot d-man.

Right now, on the right side the Canucks have Hronek (gone for the next two months); Myers (34 and rising); Desharnais (on the trade block; Juulsen (a 7th d-man at best) and Friedman (an NHL-AHL 'tweener).

Wilander will be in the Canucks lineup sometime in March. And when arrives, I doubt he ever comes out,

Yep. Willander IS the band-aid. They are extremely excited to get him in the NHL.

 

[Jyrki21]

I totally forgot the World Juniors are here this year. I'm gonna go see him in person.

 

[sandwichbird2023]

As far as "offensive skills" go, I mainly just want Willander to be able to make good outlet passes. So sick and tired of watching our bottom 4 D's going glass-and-out or passing right into the skates of the forwards on every breakout. Its impossible to generate rush chances if we the forwards can't go through the neutral zone with possession and speed.

If he can do that, along with his good shot and excellent defensive game, I'm happy.

 

[Diversification]

As far as "offensive skills" go, I mainly just want Willander to be able to make good outlet passes. So sick and tired of watching our bottom 4 D's going glass-and-out or passing right into the skates of the forwards on every breakout. Its impossible to generate rush chances if we the forwards can't go through the neutral zone with possession and speed.

If he can do that, along with his good shot and excellent defensive game, I'm happy.

That's a good point. From what I've seen, he's capable of connecting on long stretch passes through the neutral zone from his own end. But what gives me pause is that he only attempts to do so when he's not pressured. Again, this is a case of him playing it safe. At the NHL level, when pressure is a near constant, will he be able to move the puck just as well? Time will tell...

 

[F A N]

I totally forgot the World Juniors are here this year. I'm gonna go see him in person.

This poll is missing Mynio. Massive fail.

 

[Jyrki21]

This poll is missing Mynio. Massive fail.

Canada tickets are like hundreds of dollars.

 

[Hansen]

Canada tickets are like hundreds of dollars.

Just gotta do what my brother did for WJC in Halifax, win $600 at the Casino and buy tickets for you and your mom with it, and then get kicked out of the arena by security in 1st intermission...

Actually maybe don't do what my brother did