Tom Willander Scouting Reports

Willander is the Canucks top defensive prospect.
Good size. Outstanding skater. Agile. Mobile. Quick to space. Has the legs to escape pressure in his zone and lead the breakout on his own.
Best described as a 2-way 'D' - but has the skill to provide better than secondary offense.
Hockey sense to be deployed in all situations.
At Boston University - as of January 20th - 18GP - 3G - 7A (+13)
For Sweden at World Juniors 7GP - 1G - 2A (+9) -
Trustworthy / Versatile

Vancouver drafted Willander in the first-round (11th) at the 2023 entry draft in Nashville. The right shot defenceman can do it all. He's best described as a 'two-way/transitional' defenceman. Willander is an elite skater with high end hockey sense. He angles his checks to the perimeter very well. He's quick to space in all three zone. He can walk the offensive blue line to open up lanes to get pucks on net or distribute to the flanks.
Willander will be one of the Swede's top four defenceman at the WJC. Look for him to be, primarily, deployed at even strength and the penalty kill. Possibly some power-play clean up duty.

On the rise. Finished his 22/23 year on a high at the U18 Worlds.
Elite skater. Very similar to teammate Sandin Pellikka.
2-way / Transitional 'D' who has added more offense to his game. Scored three goals on the power-play at U18's. More deception and confidence making plays and directing pucks on goal from range. Active defender. Smart. Reliable. Not a physical player - but not shy about battling for pucks and boxing out opponents around his net. The kind of defender who can play north of 20 minutes per game with ease. Leans middle pairing 'D' - with chance at top pairing in time.

Excellent skater
Ability to escape pressure / spin away from checks
Leans 2-way / Transitional
Not shy about leading the rush at the J20 level in Sweden
Used in all situations - more of a distributor than shooter - walks the offensive blue line to open up lanes - average plus defender - competes