Tensions rise as Vancouver Canucks & Tom Willander still at odds over contract terms
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As the Vancouver Canucks continue to watch the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs from home, the upper management has once again been at the forefront in the media, battling in a contract dispute with top prospect Tom Willander.
After a big season in the NCAA playing for the Boston University Terriers and for his home country of Sweden, Willander was fully expected to sign his entry-level contract with the Vancouver Canucks following their exit, but something clearly was halting the progress.
Willander, a 20-year-old defenseman from Stockholm, Sweden, was drafted 11th overall by the Canucks in the 2023 NHL Draft. He spent the last two seasons at Boston University and has developed into one of the top two-way defensive prospects thanks to his combination of speed and high hockey IQ.
Vancouver Canucks and Tom Willander still at odds over contract terms
It was reported that the Canucks are being greedy when it comes to what number they want to award Willander, as they are apparently only 200k off from one another.
Even the future star d-man addressed the media, saying that he and the Canucks are not close to getting a deal done as the tensions rise.
«I haven't even thought about it hypothetically because it's not close to being a done deal.» -Willander
In 39 games with Boston University where apparently he wants to return next season, the 11th overall pick scored 2 goals and 22 assists with a plus/minus of +19.
Willander is trying his best to stay positive, but it really looks bad on the Canucks part as they are known to nitpick and nickel and dime, even if there is a risk at creating an hostile environment.
If the two sides are really just 200k apart, Vancouver needs to step up and give the kid what he deserves as they can't afford to lose more players.
