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

 

[Nucker42]

Anyone have a report of how he played today?

 

[Canucks LB]

Is this game gonna be on replay somewhere? I wanna watch it.

 

[Jyrki21]

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

Now I'm wondering if this is going to be just days before the Canucks throw him into a trade for an in-season upgrade on defense...

 

[Kickassguy]

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

Poor Sansonnens.

 

[IComeInPeace]

Is this game gonna be on replay somewhere? I wanna watch it.

11:30am TSN4

Anyone have a report of how he played today?

Here is something that someone who watched the game posted on Reddit earlier today:

“Watched the WJC pre tourney game after the Canucks game yesterday and man was I impressed.

I was kinda bummed we didn't take Axel Sandin-Pelika in that draft but seeing Willander today, I am very excited for him to join the team (obviously he's still 1-2 years away l'd say).”

 

[Nucker42]

11:30am TSN4


Here is something that someone who watched the game posted on Reddit earlier today:

“Watched the WJC pre tourney game after the Canucks game yesterday and man was I impressed.

I was kinda bummed we didn't take Axel Sandin-Pelika in that draft but seeing Willander today, I am very excited for him to join the team (obviously he's still 1-2 years away l'd say).”

Wicked thanks.

 

[timw33]

11:30am TSN4


Here is something that someone who watched the game posted on Reddit earlier today:

“Watched the WJC pre tourney game after the Canucks game yesterday and man was I impressed.

I was kinda bummed we didn't take Axel Sandin-Pelika in that draft but seeing Willander today, I am very excited for him to join the team (obviously he's still 1-2 years away l'd say).”

A redditor who didn't know how to value a cerebral elite-skating shutdown D? Colour me shocked!

 

[IslandBeast]

A redditor who didn't know how to value a cerebral elite-skating shutdown D? Colour me shocked!

So if you had to redraft you would still take Willy over ASP?

 

[timw33]

So if you had to redraft you would still take Willy over ASP?

All day. Willander has been developing excellently and, while he may not be more than a 30-35 point a season defender, is projecting as one of the most valuable types of players in the league in the mold of a Tanev/Brodin mobile minute muncher. A player type that typically doesn't get oversized contracts due to the lack of counting stats and end up being worth more than their deals.

 

[Canucks LB]

Typing willander on twitter, man looks like he had a hell of a game

 

[me2]

A redditor who didn't know how to value a cerebral elite-skating shutdown D? Colour me shocked!

Williander is progressing very nicely and fits our needs. He may end up the better player under NHL conditions. We won't know until the both play in the NHL.

I don't see any reason to criticise someone for liking ASP. He leads all SHL defenseman in scoring, he's pursuing PPG and he's doing it as a 19yo. Canucks fans would not be disappointed if we drafted him.