Canucks Appear to Issue a Change of Plans with Top Defense Prospect Tom Willander, and He's Okay With It

"At the end of the day, I don't think you can do more than your best so I always try to do that. Whether you play up (NHL) or down (AHL), I think those are two scenarios that are good for you. Playing pro hockey is going to be an experience; it's going to be fun and cool. But maybe starting on the middle step (AHL), people look down on it. But I think many times I feel that people forget that it's a good middle step to keep your game and help you get to that next level. I'll keep doing my best and see what happens." Willander said to Paterson earlier this week.

"What I kind of felt when I was there playing was that when you play with pros, hockey is very different from college hockey, obviously. When you play with better players, there are some things that are a bit different. Defending is harder, but parts of the offensive game are a lot easier because you get the puck quicker and earlier, so you really have more time than you would have to make a play at the college level. I felt like you just get the puck in better positions, better spots, all over [the ice]. So, some parts of the game definitely did feel easier." Willander said recently when talking about his experience at Sweden's Men's National Team camp back in late April/early May.