Vancouver Canucks’ 2025-26 Report Cards: Tom Willander

When the Vancouver Canucks selected Tom Willander 11th overall in 2023, the vision was clear: they needed a mobile, right-shot defender who could eventually stabilize a top-four pairing. Fast forward to the conclusion of the 2025-26 season, and the Swedish defenceman has officially graduated from “prospect of interest” to a cornerstone of the roster.

The leap from the NCAA to the professional grind is rarely seamless, yet Willander’s rookie campaign provided a fascinating look at a player who is rapidly maturing into his frame and his role. Here is the breakdown of how the 21-year-old fared in his first full NHL season.

Willander’s 2025-26 Performance

Willander’s debut season was a marathon, appearing in 70 games for a Canucks team that experienced its share of growing pains. While his offensive totals — five goals and 21 points — might seem modest to those accustomed to high-scoring blueliners, they represent a solid foundation for a player whose primary value lies in transition and defensive reliability.

Averaging nearly 17 minutes of ice time per game, Willander was not merely sheltered; he was trusted. His plus/minus rating of minus-23 reflects more on the team’s collective struggles than on his individual play. In fact, toward the final quarter of the season, Willander’s defensive metrics stabilized significantly as he began to adjust to the speed of NHL forechecks. He demonstrated an elite ability to kill plays before they developed, using his stick to disrupt passing lanes and his skating to steer attackers toward the perimeter.

Willander’s Development

The most encouraging aspect of Willander’s season was the physical and mental progression. Coming out of Boston University, there were questions about how he would handle the heavier style of the NHL. By mid-season, he had added noticeable lean mass, allowing him to hold his own in board battles against seasoned power forwards.

However, it was his development as a leader that truly caught the eyes of the coaching staff. Despite his rookie status, Willander emerged as one of the most communicative players on the bench and in the locker room. He utilized his experience from the World Juniors and the NCAA to help keep his teammates connected during losing streaks and bad games. He isn’t just a quiet contributor; he is a core piece of the leadership group beginning to take shape in Vancouver.

Nothing illustrated his commitment better than his actions during the Olympic break. While many NHL players opted for tropical vacations or time away from the rink, Willander flew back to Sweden. Rather than just visiting family, he spent the break working intensely with his strength and mobility coach to refine his defensive transitions. This “no-days-off” mentality at 21 years old is a rare trait and suggests a player who is obsessed with maximizing his potential.

Willander’s Future With the Canucks and in the NHL

Looking ahead, Willander is the ideal partner for a more adventurous offensive defenceman. His style of play is reminiscent of a “safety net”; he allows his partner to pinch or join the rush because he has the wheels to cover the back end.

For the Canucks, Willander represents a rare homegrown solution on the right side. Management has long sought a player who can eat significant minutes without being a defensive liability, and Willander is on a trajectory to become a 22-minute-a-night player by 2027.

Crucially, his leadership will be as vital as his skating and two-way game. As the team transitions into a new era, Willander is being groomed as a future part of the leadership group. His “lead by example” work ethic and his articulate, no-nonsense approach to the game suggest a player who will wear a letter on his jersey sooner rather than later. While he may never be a 50-point producer, his value will be measured in the goals he prevents and the culture he helps build.

Quotables

The young Swede’s maturity was on full display during a difficult season, often taking accountability for the team’s performance despite his rookie status.

“I don’t think we played good anywhere today. I think pretty much every detail was bad.”

— Tom Willander, following a 5-2 loss in late January

“Willander does not take anything for granted. He saw some things that he can improve on and he chose to utilize this opportunity, this break, to get it done.”

— Rick Dhaliwal, discussing Willander’s work during the Olympic break

Overall Grade: A-

Willander earns an A- for his 2025-26 campaign. While his raw offensive numbers were modest, his professional approach and defensive growth were exceptional for a rookie defenceman. His decision to spend the Olympic break training rather than resting proves he has the internal engine required to become a top-pairing mainstay. In a season of transition for Vancouver, Willander proved to be the most reliable building block on the back end.

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