Tom Willander is making waves early in his Vancouver Canucks career, leaving fans and analysts alike impressed. The 20-year-old, drafted 11th overall in the 2023 NHL Draft, has seamlessly transitioned into the NHL, showcasing his talent and potential. Since his recall on October 28, following an injury to Victor Mancini, Willander has been a force to be reckoned with.
In his debut against the New York Rangers, Willander demonstrated his speed and confidence, earning his first NHL point on a goal from Brock Boeser. Boeser praised Willander's performance, highlighting his ability to step up and make a significant impact. Despite some initial defensive challenges, Willander has quickly adapted, as evidenced by the Canucks' dominant possession statistics in their last two games.
The Canucks have controlled an impressive 71.4% of expected goals with Willander on the ice, a stark contrast to the 35.4% when he was off. This performance has earned him a spot in the lineup, and his partnership with Elias Pettersson, the two youngest skaters on the team, has been particularly effective.
Head coach Adam Foote attributes Willander's success to his poise with the puck and confidence. His ability to excel in a more sheltered, third-pairing role while still making a significant impact is remarkable. Willander's early career is a testament to his talent and potential, leaving fans and analysts eager to see what the future holds for this rising star.
