Vancouver Canucks 11th Overall Pick Unexpectedly Leaves North America During Contract Stalemate

Tom Willander is one of the Canucks best prospects, having been selected 11th overall by the team in the 2023 draft.

The right-handed defenseman chose an unusual development path after being draft, coming over to North America to play NCAA hockey for Boston University.

He spent the last two seasons playing for BU where he put up 49 points across 77 games.

Many expected him to go pro once BU's season was over, but contract talks with the Canucks stalled.

The team and player seemingly remain far away from making a deal as Willander's path is now up in the air.

One of his options was to return to BU next season, but that no longer appears to be on the table as he has left the school well before the semester ends to return to Sweden.

However, his season is not over yet as he is now expected to join Team Sweden for the upcoming World Championship.

Willander still has the option of returning to North America for the AHL playoffs, but that no longer seems likely.

As such we could very well see him play in Sweden next year which could once again put his status with the Canucks up in the air.

This is just another step in what is shaping up to be a messy offseason for Vancouver.

It appears as though Brock Boeser will be leaving the team this summer, which could very well be another misstep from Patrick Allvin.

Hopefully the Canucks can get back into the playoffs next season, regardless of what happens this summer.