Canucks Sign Top Prospect Tom Willander to Three-Year Entry-Level Contract
The Vancouver Canucks have officially locked in one of their most promising young players, signing defenseman Tom Willander to a three-year entry-level contract. The deal marks a positive step forward in the relationship between the team and their top unsigned prospect.
Under the contract, Willander will receive a signing bonus of $95,000 each year. His base salary will vary depending on where he plays—$855,000 per season in the NHL or $85,000 annually if he’s in the AHL.
Although the Canucks were expected to sign Willander after his NCAA season concluded in April, negotiations over his schedule-A performance bonuses delayed the announcement. Now finalized, the deal allows Willander to potentially earn up to $500,000 in bonuses during his first year, $900,000 in the second, and $1 million in the third. Signing in the off-season, rather than during the end of the NHL campaign, gives him a better chance of reaching those performance incentives.
Drafted 15th overall by the Canucks in 2023, Willander has spent the last two seasons with Boston University. While not known for offensive flair, the well-rounded defenseman tallied 49 points in 77 games and impressed during his time with Sweden at the World Junior Championships, particularly in the most recent tournament.
The Canucks are hoping Willander can make an early impact on their blue line, which underwent significant changes during the 2024–25 season to prioritize mobility and speed.
Cam Robinson of Elite Prospects praised Willander’s smart, composed style of play and projected him as a dependable top-four defenseman. “He’s not flashy, but he’s calm under pressure and rarely makes mistakes,” Robinson noted. “His defensive instincts have sharpened, and if he can continue improving his puck movement and offensive mobility, he’ll become an even more valuable asset.”
