11. Vancouver Canucks — Tom Willander, D, Rogle Jr. (SWE-JR)
NHL Central Scouting ranking: No. 12 (International skaters)
Willander (6-1, 180) had 25 points (four goals, 21 assists) in 39 games in Sweden’s junior league, and eight points (three goals, five assists) for Sweden at the 2023 IIHF World Under-18 Championship to help them win the silver medal.
The 18-year-old right-handed shot impressed scouts with his poise and calmness.
Willander played well enough that he was promoted to Rogle’s team in the Swedish Hockey League but never played for them so he could maintain his NCAA eligibility; he will play at Boston University next season.
Adam Kimelman @NHLAdamK / NHL.com Deputy Managing Editor
From NHL Pubic Relations:
* Tom Willander recorded 4-21—25 (39 GP) with Rögle BK in Sweden’s junior league and finished tied for second in points among all Under-18 defensemen.
* Appeared in two games in Sweden’s top professional league – one of just five U-18 defensemen to play in 2022-23.
* Earned a silver medal with Team Sweden at the 2023 Under-18 World Championship, finishing the tournament with the most goals among all blueliners (3-5—8 in 7 GP), and at the 2022 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. He also won bronze at the 2022 World Junior A Challenge (2-2—4 in 6 GP) and was named to the tournament’s all-star team.
*Committed to Boston University for the 2023-24 season.
* 2023 NHL Draft Prospect Bios: 70+ Profiles and Scouting Reports
Source: NHL Public Relations, Twitter, nhl.com
