Canucks already planning an in-year addition to their defensive core?

The Canucks are expected at the top of their division and, perhaps, the top of the western conference as well. As always, Patrik Allvin will be very involved in the trade market. Still, his defensive core additions may already be locked up since they have one of the top right-handed defenceman prospects who's not already in professional hockey.

On Canucks Army, the point was discussed as to where Willander might fit in the team's current depth chart. The first right-handed d-man spot is a lock with Filip Hronek, but could Willander swoop in and take one of Tyler Myers or Vincent Desharnais' spots?

He is already establishing himself as one of, if not the top shutdown defender in the NCAA. He's got tremendous puck moving skills, is there any chance he could already be as good as Desharnais or Myers? Regardless, he has about six months to make it happen and give the Canucks.

It wasn't too long ago that the Avalanche had one of their top prospects, Cale Makar, another top 10 pick, swoop in at the end of his collegiate season and take one of the team's veteran spots amid a Stanley Cup chase.