Tonight reports are coming in confirming that the Vancouver Canucks are finalizing a deal to sign top defensive prospect Tom Willander.
Over the last several weeks speculation has been building regarding Tom Willander’s future within hockey.
After being eliminated from the NCAA Tournament many expected Willander to immediately sign with the Canucks and begin his professional career this season.
However, instead Willander decided to stay at Boston University to finish out his semester and contemplate the future of his career.
Earlier today Canucks insider Rick Dhaliwal gave his perspective on where things stood between the two sides.
To many this was a red flag that Willander might return to school and decide not to sign with the Vancouver Canucks but new reports have now confirmed this is not the case.
Vancouver Canucks Ink Top Prospect Tom Willander To A Contract
According to Frank Seravalli, Willander will sign a contract with the Canucks in the coming days but not join the team this season instead beginning his professional career career in 2025-26.
This allows Willander to finish his semester at Boston University and continue his education which he was made clear is important to him.
Then next season Willander will be able to begin his career in Vancouver likely earning an opening day spot in the Canucks lineup immediately next season.
In his 2 seasons at Boston University, Willander played 77 games for the Terriers and tallied 49 points in a crucial role for one of the best teams in the country.
While it seems like Willander will not debut this season having him under contract and secured for the future is a major stepping stone for the Vancouver Canucks and a huge accomplishment for Patrik Allvin and Jim Rutherford.
Since making the original report Seravalli has now given an update revealing that a contract is not formally done between the two sides but still expected to be completed in the coming days.
Next season Willander will likely step into a top-four role with the Canucks and be key piece of the team’s bid to recapture a Stanley Cup Playoff berth.