Vancouver Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin spoke on unsigned top-prospect, Tom Willander, at their end of season media availability:
“His advisor has informed us that he was going back to school. Our staff has been in communication; Mikael Samuelsson and [Mike] Komisarek has built a great relationship with Tom during the year, and they felt that he was ready to turn pro after two successful years in Boston University. I mean, it’s a lot of money for a young player to pass on. But that’s the information we had here as of last week from his agent, that the intention was to go back to school.”
Negotiations between the Canucks and their prized defensive prospect have reportedly been slow and quiet. Many insiders have claimed the main sticking point is the quantity of Schedule A bonuses afforded to him in his entry-level contract. All reports have indicated that Willander was ready to turn professional, however.
The Canucks have not closed the book on signing Willander this summer:
“We’ll continue to work with Tom, and he’s coming in here for development camp – great relationship with him. I think this is part of learning how to be a pro and what the next step will come. The money involved that you’re turning down to go back to school, but that’s a direction as of last week.”
Willander’s advisor, Todd Diamond, has responded to Allvin’s comments through Donnie & Dhali’s Rick Dhaliwal.
“Our intent was/is to turn pro, but if we don’t agree on a contract that Tom and his family are comfortable with, returning to BU and other situations become possible over the next few seasons.”
Tom Willander's advisor Todd Diamond : "Our intent was/is to turn pro, but if we don't agree on a contract that Tom and his family are comfortable with, returning to BU and other situations become possible over the next few seasons."
— Rick Dhaliwal (@DhaliwalSports) April 21, 2025
The 2022 and 2023 NHL drafts had 14 first round draft picks play in the NCAA. Willander is one of three who have yet to sign an entry-level contract. The Tampa Bay Lightning’s Isaac Howard and the Minnesota Wild’s Charlie Stramel are the other two unsigned college players.
Tom Willander recorded six goals and 43 assists over 77 games and two seasons with Boston University. He also represented Sweden at the World Junior Championships, registering eight points in 16 games across two tournaments. However, the smooth-skating rearguard’s bread and butter is his shutdown defence.
CanucksArmy will continue to monitor this story as it develops throughout the summer.
