THN's The Big Show- 4-Nations Best Coaching Staff Vancouver Canucks fans could be getting their first look at a top prospect before the 2024-25 season is over. According to Rick Dhaliwal of "Donnie and Dhali," Tom Willander will be turning pro this year and is expected to sign his entry-level contract once his NCAA season is complete. The 19-year-old right-shot defender was drafted 11th overall by the Canucks in 2023 and has spent the last two years at Boston University. Latest From THN's Vancouver Canucks Site [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vancouver-canucks/]: Canucks Trade Mark Friedman For Future Considerations [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vancouver-canucks/latest-news/canucks-trade-mark-friedman-for-future-considerations] "We All Know What Talent He Has And What He's Capable Of": Canucks GM Details What Elias Pettersson Needs To Do To Reach His Potential [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vancouver-canucks/latest-news/we-all-know-what-talent-he-has-and-what-hes-capable-of-canucks-gm-details-what-elias-pettersson-needs-to-do-to-reach-his-potential] "Expectations Are High": Marcus Pettersson Speaks On Signing Long-Term With The Canucks [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vancouver-canucks/players/expectations-are-high-marcus-pettersson-speaks-on-signing-long-term-with-the-canucks] "The next defenceman signing for the Canucks will be Tom Willander, out of Boston University in a few weeks," said Dhaliwal during his radio hit on Sportsnet 650 Friday morning. "I'll be shocked if he doesn't sign. With Elias Pettersson, the defenceman showing so much promise, the Canucks could have, I mean, this is could have three drafted defensemen on their roster next year." Willander is considered one of the best-drafted prospects currently playing outside the NHL. He was ranked 14th on Craig Button's Top 50 NHL-affiliated prospects list, which also included Jonathan Lekkerimäki, who was ranked 11th. On top of a successful NCAA career, Willander has been a key piece of Sweden's World Junior team the last two years, recording eight points in 14 games while picking up a Silver Medal in 2024. Boston University's regular season is scheduled to end on March 8, 2025, while the final date of the Frozen Four is set for April 12, 2025. If Boston University makes it to the final, Willander would only be available for two regular season games, with his potential debut being April 14, 2025, against the San Jose Sharks. This season, Boston University is 15-9-1 and is the eighth-ranked team [https://www.ncaa.com/rankings/icehockey-men/d1/uschocom] in D1 NCAA hockey. Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA%3Aen] for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, be sure to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum. [https://rtb.thehockeynews.com/nhl/vancouver-canucks] Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA5MjcxMTM4NzY3OTM5MzY1/subscribe2024-front-banner.jpg]
