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Vancouver Canucks Contract Stalemate With Top Prospect Tom Willander Comes to an End

Originally posted on Hockey Latest | By Daniel Lucente | Last updated May 14, 2025 3:41 PM ET

More good news is coming out of Vancouver today, as just hours after announcing Adam Foote as the team's new coach, they also signed Tom Willander.

The Vancouver Canucks inked top-ranked defensive prospect Tom Willander to an entry-level three-year contract, just hours after announcing that Adam Foote was the team's new head coach.

'We are excited to have Tom under contract and for him to start his professional hockey career,' Canucks GM Patrik Allvin said in a team statement. 'Our group has watched him closely the past couple of seasons and have been impressed with his progression and growth in the NCAA. Now is the perfect time for him to take the next step and join our organization. The hard work starts this summer, and we look forward to seeing where Tom is at this September at training camp.'

Willander , from Stockholm, Sweden, was selected 11th overall by the Canucks during the 2023 NHL Draft. His intention to sign with the team was first reported by Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff in April.

The 19-year-old completed his sophomore season at Boston University. He had two goals and 22 assists for 24 points in 39 games, which led the Terriers to the NCAA championship game, where they lost to Western Michigan.

In his freshman year, the four goals and 25 points were accomplished in 38 games. In two years at BU, he totaled six goals and 49 points in 77 games and was a member of the NCAA Hockey East Second All-Star Team.

Willander was named the best college hockey player by Steven Ellis

Willander was rewarded for the year, being named by Daily Faceoff's Steven Ellis as one of his best players of college hockey for the 2024-25 season.

Globally, Willander has been a mainstay with Team Sweden. He accumulated eight points in seven games at the IIHF Under-18 World Championship as Sweden took a silver medal.

He also represented Team Sweden at back-to-back World Junior Championships and won a second silver medal in 2024. Willander should provide reliable two-way play and skating ability to Vancouver's blue line down the road.

This article first appeared on Hockey Latest and was syndicated with permission.

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