Tom Willander

Last updated

Tom Willander
Born (2005-02-09) 9 February 2005 (age 21)
Stockholm, Sweden
Height 6 ft 1 in (185 cm)
Weight 179 lb (81 kg; 12 st 11 lb)
Position Defence
Shoots Right
NHL team
Former teams
Vancouver Canucks
Rögle BK
NHL draft 11th overall, 2023
Vancouver Canucks
Playing career 2023present

Tom Willander (born 9 February 2005) is a Swedish professional ice hockey player who is a defenceman for the Vancouver Canucks of the National Hockey League (NHL). Willander was drafted 11th overall by the Canucks in the 2023 NHL entry draft. [1] Prior to joining Boston University, Willander played for Rögle BK in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL).

Contents

Playing career

Willander committed to playing for Boston University in the NCAA in his post-draft year, citing playing in college as better for his development over playing in the SHL. [2] Willander scored the game-winning goal against Team Canada during the grouping stage of the 2024 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, ensuring the highest seed for Team Sweden. [3]

On 15 May 2025, Willander signalled the conclusion of his collegiate career following his sophomore season by signing a three-year, entry-level contract with the Vancouver Canucks. [4]

Willander played his first NHL game against the New York Rangers on October 28, 2025. [5] On December 6, 2025, Willander scored his first NHL goal against the Minnesota Wild, a goal tied the game at 1–1 in a game that the Vancouver Canucks ultimately won 4–2. [6]

International play

Medal record
Representing Flag of Sweden.svg  Sweden
Ice hockey
World Junior Championships
Silver medal icon (S initial).svg 2024 Sweden
World U18 Championships
Silver medal icon (S initial).svg 2023 Switzerland

Willander represented Sweden at the 2024 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships and won a silver medal.

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

Regular season Playoffs
Season TeamLeagueGP G A Pts PIM GPGAPtsPIM
2021–22 AIK J20 12000410000
2021–22 AIK Allsv 10000
2022–23 Rögle BK J2039421252261340
2022–23 Rögle BK SHL 20000
2023–24 Boston University HE 384212510
2024–25 Boston UniversityHE39222248
SHL totals20000

International

YearTeamEventResultGPGAPtsPIM
2022 Sweden HG18 Silver medal icon.svg50224
2023 Sweden U18 Silver medal icon.svg735827
2024 Sweden WJC Silver medal icon.svg71232
2025 SwedenWJC4th72358
Junior totals266121841

Awards and honors

AwardYear
College
All-Hockey East Second Team 2024, 2025 [7] [8]

References

  1. "Canucks Tom Willander is prudent NHL draft pick to improve defence". theprovince.com. 28 June 2023. Retrieved 28 June 2023.
  2. Kimelman, Adam. "Willander turns down Sweden pro league for NCAA ahead of 2023 NHL Draft". NHL. Retrieved 30 June 2023.
  3. Johnston, Patrick. "World Juniors: Canucks prospect Tom Willander leads Sweden to win over Canada". National Post. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
  4. "Canucks agree to terms with Tom Willander on entry-level contract". Vancouver Canucks. 15 May 2025. Retrieved 15 May 2025.
  5. "Canucks call up Tom Willander for NHL debut against Rangers". Sportsnet. 28 October 2025. Retrieved 6 December 2025.
  6. Woodley, Kevin (6 December 2025). "Raty has 1st 3-point game in NHL, Canucks defeat Wild to end 4-game skid". NHL.com. Retrieved 6 December 2025.
  7. "HOCKEY EAST NAMES 2023–24 MEN'S ALL-STAR TEAMS". Hockey East. 15 March 2024. Retrieved 18 March 2024.
  8. "Hockey East Names 2024–25 Men's All-Star Teams". Hockey East. 14 March 2025. Retrieved 15 March 2025.