Top Prospect Tom Willander Shocks the Vancouver Canucks with a decision to return Home to Sweden
Photo credit: Boston University Athletics
Vancouver Canucks top prospect Tom Willander has reportedly returned home to Sweden and it appears fans will have to wait a little longer before he signs his first NHL contract.
Fans of the Vancouver Canucks continue to wait anxiously for the team to announce that their top prospect Tom Willander has signed with the club after becoming eligible to do so a little over a week ago.
A report came out late last week that Willander and the Canucks were in agreement on an entry-level contract, however that was quickly shot down and now, it appears his professional debut in North America may not come until the fall.
Vancouver Canucks prospect Tom Willander reportedly heads home to Sweden
On Sunday afternoon, Cam Robinson of Elite Prospects shared on X that Tom Willander has returned home to Sweden after finishing up his classes at Boston University.
Robinson added that negotiations haven't concluded regarding Willander potentially joining Abbotsford for the Calder Cup Playoffs, before later saying that the blueliner will be meeting up with the Swedish National Team for their training camp ahead of the 2025 IIHF World Championship.
"I'm told that Tom Willander (VAN) has left Boston University and returned home to Stockholm.
This doesn't necessarily conclude the negotiations to have him join Abbotsford for their AHL playoff run." Robinson said.
He went on to add, "It's expected that Willander will join the Swedish National Team and start training with them this week."
This doesn't necessarily conclude the negotiations to have him join Abbotsford for their AHL playoff run." Robinson said.
He went on to add, "It's expected that Willander will join the Swedish National Team and start training with them this week."
This isn't the news Vancouver Canucks fans were hoping for, as they wanted Tom Willander in British Columbia, helping Abbotsford chase their first Calder Cup championship.
According to some reports, one of the big sticking points in getting a contract done with Tom Willander is Schedule A bonuses, which are worth $212,500 USD each, to a maximum of $850,000 USD, per PuckPedia.
Willander, 20, recorded 24 points (two goals, 22 assists), eight penalty minutes and was a plus-19 in 39 games this season for Boston University.
With it being quite unlikely that Tom Willander will sign before Abbotsford's Game 1 on Wednesday night, it's safe to say Vancouver Canucks fans will have to wait until the fall to see their top defensive prospect, unless he decides to return to BU for a third NCAA season.
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