NHL analyst labels Canucks prospect Tom Willander's contract situation "a disaster" in latest major update

The Vancouver Canucks missed the playoffs this season. Now, they are focusing on offseason plans to improve their team. One of the key questions is the contract situation of top prospect Tom Willander. NHL insider Rick Dhaliwal gave an update on the "Donnie and Dhali" podcast on Thursday.

Dhaliwal said the upcoming week will be important for Willander and Vancouver.

"My read, after speaking with Todd (Willander's advisor,) is this upcoming week, will be pivotal to the future of Willander and the Canucks relationship. So stay tuned," Dhaliwal said.

Earlier reports claimed Vancouver was close to signing Willander, but Dhaliwal said he is not hearing that. He added that one phone call could change everything, but right now, there is more work to do.

Dhaliwal added it looks unlikely Willander will return to Boston University. His agent is now speaking with European teams. If he signs overseas, it could hurt Vancouver’s development plans for him.

"It looks like we're going to get a Willander decision, whether he signs with the Canucks or in Europe," Dhaliwal continued. "It doesn't look like he's going back to Boston. But his agent is going to be talking to teams, obviously, there. But boy, if this kid signs overseas, what a black mark it's going to be for the two."

Adding to Dhaliwal's update, co-host Donnie said it would have been better if Willander spent time in Abbotsford, the Canucks’ AHL team.

"And you nailed it last week when you said, this should have been a layup signing," Dhaliwal said. "This kid should have been a layup, but they've made it awfully difficult, and it's just unbelievable."

Canucks prospect has shown potential in NCAA

Tom Willander was drafted No. 11 by the Canucks in 2023. He played this past season with Boston University in the NCAA. He scored 24 points (two goals, 22 assists) in 39 games and showed strong defensive skills with a plus- rating of 19. He is known for his skating, competitive level and puck-moving ability.

In the 2023-24 NCAA season, Willander scored 25 points (four goals, 21 assists) with a plus- rating of 28. This clearly shows that he could be a reliable option for Vancouver's blue line in future if he signs with the team.

Even in the 2024 World Juniors, Willander scored the game-winning goal against Canada during the group stage. He is still developing, and a decision on his future is expected soon.