After a surprisingly drawn-out negotiation, the Vancouver Canucks and Tom Willander have agreed to a three-year, entry-level contract that will begin in 2025-26, the club announced on Wednesday.
Willander, 20, was drafted No. 11 by the Canucks in 2023. The right-shot Swedish defenseman had a pair of successful post-draft seasons with Boston University, which included scoring 24 points in 39 games as a sophomore in 2024-25.
Advertisement
Vancouver’s prized defensive prospect was initially free to sign an ELC when the Terriers lost the NCAA Frozen Four championship on April 12. Top prospects who are ready to turn pro often sign quickly after their NCAA season is over, allowing them to either burn the first year of their ELC at the end of the NHL season or sign an ELC that begins the following year and sign an amateur tryout in the meantime that allows them to play AHL games.
Willander’s NCAA season ended so late that immediately signing an ELC and playing in Vancouver’s final one or two regular-season games would have been a stretch. However, the idea of him signing an ELC that would begin in 2025-26 and logging significant minutes during Abbotsford’s playoff run sounded appealing.
Instead, this turned into an unusually complicated stalemate. Finally, the two sides have reached an agreement, and Willander will turn pro next season.
The Schedule A bonuses, and what’s next for Willander?
The main point of contention in Willander’s ELC negotiations was Schedule A performance bonuses. The Canucks had an internal structure for ELC bonuses that was below market value, and management seemed to be stubbornly sticking to that.
Vancouver caved to some extent. According to PuckPedia, Willander has $500,000 worth of possible Schedule A bonuses in Year 1, $900,000 in Year 2 and $1 million in Year 3. That’s a significant step up compared to Jonathan Lekkerimäki, whose possible Schedule A bonuses were worth $475,000 across each of the three years on his ELC.
Willander will be a legitimate contender to win an NHL roster spot out of training camp next season. He plays a remarkably polished, efficient two-way game that leans more toward the defensive side. Willander was effective but a little raw and occasionally mistake-prone during his freshman NCAA season, but his second year with the Terriers was a key step forward, even if the offensive point totals don’t reflect growth. The big-bodied, smooth-skating defender excelled as a go-to shutdown option, logging huge minutes in all situations. He had nothing to gain from returning to BU for a third season.
(Photo: David Berding / Getty Images)
This news was originally published on this post .
About the author
CHOKBR Fall 2025: Campeonato de Honor of Kings inicia neste final de semana
Imagem: Divulgação O Campeonato Honor of Kings Brasil Fall 2025 (CHOKBR Fall 2025) terá o início do primeiro split no próximo dia 16 de maio até o dia 8 de junho, com o mesmo formato da edição do ano passado, ou seja, com disputas presenciais em uma casa em São Paulo, um ambiente descontraído e festivo. A competição conta com seis equipes, incluindo times amadores classificados através do Open Series Split 3; são elas: Alpha 7 Esports, Loops Esports, INFLUENCE RAGE, E1 Sports, Corinthians Esports e a All Gaming Club. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADE O CHOKBR Fall 2025 será patrocinado pela realme, parceria consolidada na edição anterior. A empresa recentemente anunciou uma colaboração com o influenciador Nobru. Entenda o formato do CHOKBR Fall 2025 De acordo com as informações divulgadas em comunicado de imprensa, o torneio será dividido em três etapas, com a Fase Classificatória ocorrendo entre 16 a 25 de maio, no formato […]
Serena Williams’ husband, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian buys stake in Chelsea Women
Alexis Ohanian, the husband of tennis star Serena Williams and co-founder of Reddit, has bought an eight per cent stake in Chelsea Women.The investment by the tech millionaire, who will join the board, puts a valuation on the team at approximately £245million, according to people familiar with the deal.AdvertisementThe 42-year-old Ohanian, who also has a stake in NWSL side Angel City, announced on social media on Wednesday evening: “I’ve bet big on women’s sports before — and I’m doing it again.“I’m proud to announce that I’m joining as an investor and board member. I’m honored for the chance to help this iconic club become America’s favorite team and much, much more.”The move comes after Chelsea’s accounts for 2023-24, released last month, showed the club’s women’s team had its ownership transferred to Blueco 22 Midco Limited — a company within the […]
Tanner Houck injury: Red Sox pitcher lands on IL after allowing 11 earned runs for the second time this season
Getty Images Two days after his second 11-earned run start of the season, the Boston Red Sox have placed right-hander Tanner Houck on the 15-day injured list with a flexor pronator strain, the team announced Wednesday. Righty Cooper Criswell was called up in a corresponding move. On Tuesday, manager Alex Cora said Houck would remain in the rotation "as of now.""As of now, Tanner's going to start the last game (of the upcoming Atlanta Braves series this weekend)," Cora said when asked whether Houck would make his next start (via MassLive.com). Monday night, the Detroit Tigers blasted Houck for 11 runs (all earned) on nine hits and three walks in 2 ⅓ innings. That came a month after the Tampa Bay Rays tagged him for 12 runs (11 earned) in 2 ⅓ innings on April 12. That was the worst start […]
Tanner Houck lands on the IL: What does this mean for the Red Sox rotation?
Two days after Tanner Houck gave up 11 earned runs in a start against Detroit, the Boston Red Sox placed the right-hander on the injured list with a right flexor pronator strain.Houck’s outing on Monday was the second time in the span of six starts in which he had given up 11 earned runs in 2 1/3 innings pitched, ballooning his ERA to 8.09 through nine starts this season.AdvertisementHouck told reporters in Detroit after Monday’s start, it was “the most lost I’ve ever been.”The 28-year-old is in the midst of the roughest stretch of his career and it’s coming off a 2024 All-Star season in which he posted a 3.12 ERA. He made 30 starts and threw 178 2/3 innings, both career highs.Houck never seemed to bounce back from the workload last season and struggled in spring training as well. […]
Tanner Houck lands on the IL: What does this mean for the Red Sox rotation?
Two days after Tanner Houck gave up 11 earned runs in a start against Detroit, the Boston Red Sox placed the right-hander on the injured list with a right flexor pronator strain.Houck’s outing on Monday was the second time in the span of six starts in which he had given up 11 earned runs in 2 1/3 innings pitched, ballooning his ERA to 8.09 through nine starts this season.AdvertisementHouck told reporters in Detroit after Monday’s start, it was “the most lost I’ve ever been.”The 28-year-old is in the midst of the roughest stretch of his career and it’s coming off a 2024 All-Star season in which he posted a 3.12 ERA. He made 30 starts and threw 178 2/3 innings, both career highs.Houck never seemed to bounce back from the workload last season and struggled in spring training as well. […]
Ross County keeps hopes of avoiding play-off alive with Dundee draw
Ronan Hale’s controversial stoppage-time penalty kept alive Ross County’s hopes of avoiding the relegation play-offs as they drew 1-1 at fellow strugglers Dundee.The Dark Blues took the lead in the second half through Scott Tiffoney and seemed on course to secure their William Hill Premiership status. But deep in added time Hale salvaged a point for the Staggies from the spot after Ryan Astley headed the ball on to Antonio Portales' arm.With just two points separating the sides, it will go right down to the wire this Sunday to determine who will be in the relegation play-offs.The hosts made two changes to the team that lost to Kilmarnock at the weekend with Oluwaseun Adewumi coming in for Scott Tiffoney while Clark Robertson replaced Aaron Donnelly in defence. The visitors made three alterations to the side that was beaten by St […]
Related
CHOKBR Fall 2025: Campeonato de Honor of Kings inicia neste final de semana
Imagem: Divulgação O Campeonato Honor of Kings Brasil Fall 2025 (CHOKBR Fall 2025) terá o início do primeiro split no próximo dia 16 de maio até o dia 8 de junho, com o mesmo formato da edição do ano passado, ou seja, com disputas presenciais em uma casa em São Paulo, um ambiente descontraído e festivo. A competição conta com seis equipes, incluindo times amadores classificados através do Open Series Split 3; são elas: Alpha 7 Esports, Loops Esports, INFLUENCE RAGE, E1 Sports, Corinthians Esports e a All Gaming Club. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADE O CHOKBR Fall 2025 será patrocinado pela realme, parceria consolidada na edição anterior. A empresa recentemente anunciou uma colaboração com o influenciador Nobru. Entenda o formato do CHOKBR Fall 2025 De acordo com as informações divulgadas em comunicado de imprensa, o torneio será dividido em três etapas, com a Fase Classificatória ocorrendo entre 16 a 25 de maio, no formato […]
Serena Williams’ husband, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian buys stake in Chelsea Women
Alexis Ohanian, the husband of tennis star Serena Williams and co-founder of Reddit, has bought an eight per cent stake in Chelsea Women.The investment by the tech millionaire, who will join the board, puts a valuation on the team at approximately £245million, according to people familiar with the deal.AdvertisementThe 42-year-old Ohanian, who also has a stake in NWSL side Angel City, announced on social media on Wednesday evening: “I’ve bet big on women’s sports before — and I’m doing it again.“I’m proud to announce that I’m joining as an investor and board member. I’m honored for the chance to help this iconic club become America’s favorite team and much, much more.”The move comes after Chelsea’s accounts for 2023-24, released last month, showed the club’s women’s team had its ownership transferred to Blueco 22 Midco Limited — a company within the […]
Tanner Houck injury: Red Sox pitcher lands on IL after allowing 11 earned runs for the second time this season
Getty Images Two days after his second 11-earned run start of the season, the Boston Red Sox have placed right-hander Tanner Houck on the 15-day injured list with a flexor pronator strain, the team announced Wednesday. Righty Cooper Criswell was called up in a corresponding move. On Tuesday, manager Alex Cora said Houck would remain in the rotation "as of now.""As of now, Tanner's going to start the last game (of the upcoming Atlanta Braves series this weekend)," Cora said when asked whether Houck would make his next start (via MassLive.com). Monday night, the Detroit Tigers blasted Houck for 11 runs (all earned) on nine hits and three walks in 2 ⅓ innings. That came a month after the Tampa Bay Rays tagged him for 12 runs (11 earned) in 2 ⅓ innings on April 12. That was the worst start […]
Tanner Houck lands on the IL: What does this mean for the Red Sox rotation?
Two days after Tanner Houck gave up 11 earned runs in a start against Detroit, the Boston Red Sox placed the right-hander on the injured list with a right flexor pronator strain.Houck’s outing on Monday was the second time in the span of six starts in which he had given up 11 earned runs in 2 1/3 innings pitched, ballooning his ERA to 8.09 through nine starts this season.AdvertisementHouck told reporters in Detroit after Monday’s start, it was “the most lost I’ve ever been.”The 28-year-old is in the midst of the roughest stretch of his career and it’s coming off a 2024 All-Star season in which he posted a 3.12 ERA. He made 30 starts and threw 178 2/3 innings, both career highs.Houck never seemed to bounce back from the workload last season and struggled in spring training as well. […]
Tanner Houck lands on the IL: What does this mean for the Red Sox rotation?
Two days after Tanner Houck gave up 11 earned runs in a start against Detroit, the Boston Red Sox placed the right-hander on the injured list with a right flexor pronator strain.Houck’s outing on Monday was the second time in the span of six starts in which he had given up 11 earned runs in 2 1/3 innings pitched, ballooning his ERA to 8.09 through nine starts this season.AdvertisementHouck told reporters in Detroit after Monday’s start, it was “the most lost I’ve ever been.”The 28-year-old is in the midst of the roughest stretch of his career and it’s coming off a 2024 All-Star season in which he posted a 3.12 ERA. He made 30 starts and threw 178 2/3 innings, both career highs.Houck never seemed to bounce back from the workload last season and struggled in spring training as well. […]
Ross County keeps hopes of avoiding play-off alive with Dundee draw
Ronan Hale’s controversial stoppage-time penalty kept alive Ross County’s hopes of avoiding the relegation play-offs as they drew 1-1 at fellow strugglers Dundee.The Dark Blues took the lead in the second half through Scott Tiffoney and seemed on course to secure their William Hill Premiership status. But deep in added time Hale salvaged a point for the Staggies from the spot after Ryan Astley headed the ball on to Antonio Portales' arm.With just two points separating the sides, it will go right down to the wire this Sunday to determine who will be in the relegation play-offs.The hosts made two changes to the team that lost to Kilmarnock at the weekend with Oluwaseun Adewumi coming in for Scott Tiffoney while Clark Robertson replaced Aaron Donnelly in defence. The visitors made three alterations to the side that was beaten by St […]
Be the first to leave a comment