Tom Willander Named to Sweden's Roster for Upcoming Exhibition Tournament
Photo credit: Sportsnet
Top defensive prospect Tom Willander has been named to Sweden's roster for an upcoming exhibition tournament ahead of the 2025 IIHF World Championship.
Vancouver Canucks prospect Tom Willander has yet to sign his entry-level contract with the organization as reports suggest the two sides are only separated by about $200,000 USD.
In the meantime, Willander headed home to Sweden following the conclusion of his semester at Boston University and even suited up for the national team in an exhibition game this week against Finland.
Tom Willander named to Sweden's roster for Czech Hockey Games
On Saturday morning, the Swedish Ice Hockey Association announced their roster for the Czech Hockey Games which is an exhibition tournament apart of the annual Euro Hockey Tour.
This year's edition of the Czech Hockey Games will be played from May 1st to 4th in Prague and features the usual four teams that participate - Czechia, Finland, Sweden and Switzerland.
Tom Willander was among the 25-man roster named on Saturday, along with a number of NHLers including Vancouver Canucks defenseman Marcus Pettersson, New York Rangers forward Mika Zibanejad and Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson.
Note: the following is translated from Swedish
"A lot of work remains before the World Cup premiere on May 9 in Stockholm. Now we are looking forward to a week in Switzerland and the Czech Republic with matches against high-class opposition, where we have the opportunity to hone our game and come together as a group. It will also be inspiring to work together with Anders Sorensen and some new players." Swedish head coach Sam Hallam said.
While Vancouver Canucks fans were hoping that Tom Willander would be signed and with the Abbotsford Canucks for their Calder Cup Playoff run, having him around NHLers with the Swedish national team isn't necessarily a bad idea.
With Vancouver's Marcus Pettersson on Sweden's roster, he could be a good person to mentor Tom Willander and help get him ready for when he does turn pro and signs with the Canucks.
Tom Willander and Sweden will begin their Czech Hockey Games schedule on Thursday, May 1st and if he happens to play well and impress head coach Sam Hallam, it wouldn't be a shock to see him on their World Championship roster.
Source: Swedish Ice Hockey Association
https://www.swehockey.se/betano2025
https://www.swehockey.se/betano2025
Previously on CanucksDaily
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