Tom Willander

Swedish ice hockey player (born 2005)

Ice hockey player
Tom Willander
Born (2005-02-09) 9 February 2005 (age 20)
Stockholm, Sweden
Height 6 ft 1 in (185 cm)
Weight 179 lb (81 kg; 12 st 11 lb)
Position Defence
Shoots Right
NHL team
Former teams
Vancouver Canucks
Rögle BK
NHL draft 11th overall, 2023
Vancouver Canucks
Playing career 2023–present

Tom Willander (born 9 February 2005) is a Swedish professional ice hockey player who is a defenceman for the Vancouver Canucks of the National Hockey League (NHL). Willander was drafted 11th overall by the Canucks in the 2023 NHL entry draft.[1] Prior to joining Boston University, Willander played for Rögle BK in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL).

Playing career

Willander committed to playing for Boston University in the NCAA in his post-draft year, citing playing in college as better for his development over playing in the SHL.[2] Willander scored the game-winning goal against Team Canada during the grouping stage of the 2024 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, ensuring the highest seed for Team Sweden.[3]

On 15 May 2025, Willander signalled the conclusion of his collegiate career following his sophomore season by signing a three-year, entry-level contract with the Vancouver Canucks.[4]

Willander played his first NHL game against the New York Rangers on October 28, 2025. [5] On December 6, 2025, Willander scored his first NHL goal against the Minnesota Wild, a goal tied the game at 1–1 in a game that the Vancouver Canucks ultimately won 4–2. [6]

International play

Medal record
Representing  Sweden
Ice hockey
World Junior Championships
Silver medal – second place 2024 Sweden
World U18 Championships
Silver medal – second place 2023 Switzerland

Willander represented Sweden at the 2024 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships and won a silver medal.

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

Regular season Playoffs
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
2021–22 AIK J20 12 0 0 0 4 1 0 0 0 0
2021–22 AIK Allsv 1 0 0 0 0
2022–23 Rögle BK J20 39 4 21 25 22 6 1 3 4 0
2022–23 Rögle BK SHL 2 0 0 0 0
2023–24 Boston University HE 38 4 21 25 10
2024–25 Boston University HE 39 2 22 24 8
SHL totals 2 0 0 0 0

International

Year Team Event Result GP G A Pts PIM
2022 Sweden HG18 2nd place, silver medalist(s) 5 0 2 2 4
2023 Sweden U18 2nd place, silver medalist(s) 7 3 5 8 27
2024 Sweden WJC 2nd place, silver medalist(s) 7 1 2 3 2
2025 Sweden WJC 4th 7 2 3 5 8
Junior totals 26 6 12 18 41

Awards and honors

Award Year
College
All-Hockey East Second Team 2024, 2025 [7][8]

References

  1. ^ "Canucks Tom Willander is prudent NHL draft pick to improve defence". theprovince.com. 28 June 2023. Retrieved 28 June 2023.
  2. ^ Kimelman, Adam. "Willander turns down Sweden pro league for NCAA ahead of 2023 NHL Draft". NHL. Retrieved 30 June 2023.
  3. ^ Johnston, Patrick. "World Juniors: Canucks prospect Tom Willander leads Sweden to win over Canada". National Post. Retrieved 30 December 2023.
  4. ^ "Canucks agree to terms with Tom Willander on entry-level contract". Vancouver Canucks. 15 May 2025. Retrieved 15 May 2025.
  5. ^ "Canucks call up Tom Willander for NHL debut against Rangers". Sportsnet. 28 October 2025. Retrieved 6 December 2025.
  6. ^ Woodley, Kevin (6 December 2025). "Raty has 1st 3-point game in NHL, Canucks defeat Wild to end 4-game skid". NHL.com. Retrieved 6 December 2025.
  7. ^ "HOCKEY EAST NAMES 2023–24 MEN'S ALL-STAR TEAMS". Hockey East. 15 March 2024. Retrieved 18 March 2024.
  8. ^ "Hockey East Names 2024–25 Men's All-Star Teams". Hockey East. 14 March 2025. Retrieved 15 March 2025.
  • Biographical information and career statistics from NHL.com, or Eliteprospects.com, or The Internet Hockey Database
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