A lot of these high scoring defensemen that played college, end up scoring at or above the rate they scored with their college teams. Quinn Hughes for example, is scoring above the rate he scored at Michigan. Craig Button compares Willander to Charlie McAvoy. McAvoy scores points at an equal to greater rate compared to his 2 college seasons. Also keep in mind that Willander has been playing behind Hutson for pp time. Normally Willander would be on the #1 unit, so his point totals are lower than they should be.
There are also plenty of examples of defensemen scoring at a less rate than in college, but I won't be surprised if Willander scores at a .5 clip right out of the gate, likely getting 2nd pp unit time, and settles in as 50 to 60 point d man, who is excellent defensively. Excited to see what he can do at the end of the season here, and possibly playoffs. Our d is likely a lot better with him, even if he is fresh out of college.