Canucks And Tom Willander Still "Not Close To Being A Done Deal" - Yahoo Sports

Published 2 weeks ago• 3 minute read

Mar 29, 2025; Toledo, OH, USA; Boston University defenseman Tom Willander (5) skates with the puck in the first period against the Cornell at Huntington Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

What was once thought to have an easy conclusion is becoming more and more complicated. Amid tense contract discussions, Vancouver Canucks top prospect Tom Willander spoke to Cam Robinson of EliteProspects to clarify parts of the situation.

“I haven’t even thought about it hypothetically because it’s not close to being a done deal,” he said in the interview about joining the team that drafted him.

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Yesterday, reports broke that the only thing blocking Willander and the Canucks from getting a deal done was $200k. In his interview with Robinson, Willander specified that the issues around his entry-level contract have to do with the bonuses included. The prospect also noted that the team had some requests of him during the season that he ultimately did not keep due to how far apart the two are from working something out.

“They asked us earlier in the season. The Canucks didn’t want us to play there," he said regarding the fact that he could be representing Team Sweden at the 2025 IIHF World Championships. "But then as time moved on, it became viable so we decided ‘okay, it could be fun to play games with really good players.’”

Willander also specified that he and his camp never asked for an immediate promotion to the NHL. “I try to be objective with it all. It’s not bothering me too much. I like Vancouver. I like the guys that are around - the development team, as well as the guys on the team and in Abby… the draft picks I’ve met. I like all those guys.”

Earlier this week, the Canucks stated in a press conference that Willander would be “going back to school” next season. That was quickly combatted by both Robinson and Rick Dhaliwal of Donnie and Dhali, the latter of whom shared a quote from Willander’s agent Todd Diamond.

"Our intent was/is to turn pro, but if we don't agree on a contract that Tom and his family are comfortable with, returning to BU and other situations become possible over the next few seasons," Diamond said via Dhaliwal’s post.

“I don’t think too far ahead when it comes to this stuff because it really doesn’t do me any good," Willander added. “I’m focused on whatever tomorrow brings.”