Tom Willander, a top defensive prospect for the Vancouver Canucks, has been removed from the 2024 World Junior Summer Showcase roster due to an injury. The showcase, held this weekend in Plymouth, Michigan, initially featured four Canucks prospects: Willander and Melvin Fernström from Sweden, along with Anthony Romani and Sawyer Mynio from Canada.
Team Sweden announced via Tre Kronor’s translated tweet that Willander would be replaced by undrafted prospect Arvid Bergström. This news surprised many Canucks fans, but Chek TV’s Rick Dhaliwal clarified the situation, noting that Willander’s absence should not be seen as a major setback. He is still expected to play for Sweden in the upcoming World Juniors in Ottawa.
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Last year, Willander was a key contributor to Sweden’s U20 team, helping them win a Silver Medal. He recorded three points (one goal and two assists) and had the third-highest plus/minus rating of plus-9 in the tournament. Returning to Boston University for his sophomore year, Willander is anticipated to take on a more significant role in their defense, beginning their season on October 5th against Holy Cross. During his freshman year, he scored 25 points (four goals and 21 assists) in 38 games, finishing with the fourth-highest plus/minus rating among all defenders nationwide at plus-28.
Despite Willander’s absence, fans can still watch the Canucks’ recent 2024 draft pick, Melvin Fernström, representing Sweden. Additionally, Anthony Romani and Sawyer Mynio will be competing for Canada.
Advisor Todd Diamond says defenseman and Canucks 1st round pick Tom Willander has a minor lower body injury and will no longer be at the World Junior Summer Showcase this week for Sweden.
Willander will be ready for the NCAA season with BU. https://t.co/6FsJ5aYEBj
— Rick Dhaliwal (@DhaliwalSports) July 25, 2024
The 2024 World Junior Summer Showcase, running from July 26 to August 3 at USA Hockey Arena, will feature teams from Canada, the U.S., Finland, and Sweden. Sweden’s schedule includes matches against USA Blue and USA White on July 28 and 29, respectively, and games against USA and Finland on August 2 and 3. Canada’s schedule includes a game between Canada Red and Canada White on July 30, followed by matches against Sweden, Finland, and the USA on July 31, August 2, and August 3, respectively.
