LATEST | Patrik Allvin comments the team's first-round selection Tom Willander

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Cooper Godin
July 2, 2023 (3:29 PM)

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The Vancouver Canucks have got a solid prospect in Tom Willander, who they selected with the 11th overall pick during Wednesday's NHL Entry Draft.

Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin was very pleased that Willander was still on the board when the team took to the stage at Bridgestone Arena, home to the Nashville Predators.

Allvin spoke with Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman about Tom Willander and had some very good things to say about the Swedish defenceman.

"You know, my staff was coming into the season they were high on him. Smart player, right-shot defenceman, just trending up. He was impressive the second half, his mobility and ability to defend areas. He's going to Boston University as well." Allvin told Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.

When asked if he had offers to move up in the draft, He added: "There was some discussions there. But our scouting staff felt strongly that this was a guy we wanted. It made it pretty simple for us when he was still there to take the pick."

Later on Wednesday, Allvin met with the media and said that Willander could be a perfect fit on a pairing with Quinn Hughes.

With his IQ, ability to skate and his size I could see him being a perfect fit for Quinn Hughes." Allvin said.

Willander, a native of Stockholm, appeared in 39 games for Rogle BK's junior team, recording 25 points (four goals, 21 assists), 22 penalty minutes and was a plus-seven. He also appeared in two games for the big club in the Swedish Hockey League, but didn't record any points.

The 18-year-old will be playing in the NCAA this Fall with Boston University, so he won't be playing for the Canucks right away, but depending on how his season goes and how management and player development feel, he could make his NHL debut next Spring.