Vancouver Canucks top prospect Tom Willander breaks his silence and refuses to sign entry level contract

Canucks GM Patrik Allvin revealed during his end-of-season media availability that Willander plans to return to school for another year.

David Quadrelli from the Canucks Army writes that as is typical in a hockey market like Vancouver, plenty of rumors swirled around the situation. Willander says it simply comes down to his request for standard Schedule A bonuses in his entry-level contract. Recent reports indicate the Canucks are roughly $200,000 short of meeting his ask.

Here's what Willander had to say when asked in a recent interview with Cam Robinson of Elite Prospects when asked whether he wanted the Canucks to burn the first year of his entry-level deal or promise NHL playing time immediately.

And when asked if Vancouver called today with a sufficient offer...

Quadrelli also writes that another rumor that circulated suggested Willander was seeking guarantees to avoid playing in the AHL, a claim he has denied. Ultimately, he comes across as a young player focused on controlling what he can, and leaving the rest alone.

Willander finished the year with Boston College recording 2 goals and 22 assists in 39 games.

Source:
Canucks Army
Canucks prospect Tom Willander speaks about contract stalemate