Vancouver Canucks prospect Tom Willander will not participate in the World Junior Summer Showcase due to a lower body injury. This news is a disappointment for Canucks fans who were eager to see the team’s 2023 first-round pick in action. According to Rick Dhaliwal from Donnie & Dahi on Chek, Willander’s injury has proven more problematic than initially anticipated, preventing him from competing in Michigan this year.
Despite this setback, there is reassurance that Willander will be ready for the upcoming NCAA hockey season in October. The 19-year-old defenseman has already demonstrated considerable skill on the international stage, recording 17 points, a +12 rating, and 39 penalty minutes over 34 games. His performance at the 2023 NHL Draft exceeded expectations, as he was selected 11th overall by the Canucks, reflecting the organization’s confidence in his potential.
Willander, who stands 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighs 191 pounds, has shown promising development since his draft. His inaugural season at Boston University was impressive, with 25 points and a +28 rating across 38 games. The Terriers are expected to rely heavily on him in their top defensive pairing this coming season, which will also benefit the Canucks. His combination of high hockey IQ, agility, two-way play, and resilience suggests he could one day form a formidable defensive duo with Quinn Hughes in Vancouver.
