Canucks nab Tom Willander with 11th overall pick
The Vancouver Canucks used the 11th pick in the 2023 NHL Draft to select Tom Willander.
Tom Willander
Position: Defense
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 179 lbs
Shoots: Right
Age: 18
Club: Rogle BK (SHL)
Nationality: 🇸🇪
NHL Central Scouting final ranking: 12th among European skaters
2022-23 stats
| GP | G | A | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rogle BK | 39 | 4 | 21 |
| U18 Worlds | 7 | 3 | 5 |
| Hlinka Gretzky Cup | 5 | 0 | 2 |
Willander was one of the top European defensemen available at this year's draft and is coming off a busy season in which he represented club and country at various levels. He ascended through Rogle's junior program - highlighted by an impressive showing with the Under-20 group - and he even got a two-game taste of Sweden's highest professional level.
Willander made a strong impression with Sweden at the Under-18's this year, registering eight points in seven games to help his country capture a silver medal. He'll make the leap to North American ice this coming season, as he's committed to Boston University.
What they're saying
"Willander's skating is his main asset for the NHL; he is one of the best skaters in the draft," wrote The Athletic's Corey Pronman.
"He has a quick, powerful skating stride and can push the pace up ice with the puck. Willander's skating allows him to close on checks well and be a quality defender, especially when combined with the fact he has some physicality in his game. I wasn't always sold on his offensive touch. I don't see a big-time playmaker as a pro, but Willander has good enough skill and vision to move pucks at higher levels well, especially given the space his feet can generate. He has the making of a good two-way top-four defenseman."
Click here to watch Willander's highlights.