In an electrifying match on Sunday afternoon in Ottawa, Tom Willander of Team Sweden delivered an unforgettable performance at the 2025 World Junior Championship, leaving both fans and scouts buzzing with excitement.

Having shown a solid, albeit quiet, start to the tournament with just two assists in the first two games facing Slovakia and Kazakhstan, Willander turned it up a notch against Switzerland. The Vancouver Canucks' 11th overall pick in the 2023 draft finally showcased his offensive capabilities, scoring two goals and contributing an assist in a dominating 6-4 victory for Sweden.

With his remarkable three-point game, Willander now has five points across three games, placing him sixth in tournament scoring and second among defensemen—right behind his Swedish teammate Axel Sandin-Pellikka. This performance has certainly confirmed his status as a top prospect, easing concerns about his ability to contribute offensively.

The scoring frenzy for Willander commenced early as he unleashed a perfectly executed wrist shot into the top corner of the net, leaving Swiss goalie Elijah Neuenschwander with no chance. Following a flurry of exchanged goals, Willander's follow-up shot, a powerful one-timer nearly found its way in, only to hit the post, further solidifying his offensive threat.

In the second period, Willander struck again, capitalizing on the Swiss defense's positioning. His shot accidentally deflected off a forward’s stick, surprising the new Swiss goalie Christian Kirsch and resulting in another goal. This exemplified Willander's sharp shooting technique, which boasts a deceptive quick release and exceptional torque.

Willander’s contributions weren’t limited to just scoring; he assisted on Sweden's sixth goal by setting up Sandin-Pellikka for a shot that slipped past Kirsch, leading to a surprise game-winner amidst Switzerland’s valiant effort to claw back into contention.

Despite some moments of struggle—in particular, being on the ice for three goals against, including one from a freak deflection and two power play goals—Willander’s overall play demonstrated his strength and maturity. While he did receive a couple of questionable penalties, his positioning and ability to manage pressure at both ends of the ice truly shined.

As if that weren’t enough, Canucks fans had another prospect worth watching on the ice: Basile Sansonnens, the team’s seventh-round pick from the 2024 draft. A younger player who just turned 18, Sansonnens has brought hope with solid development during these World Juniors.

Appearing composed and confident, Sansonnens showcased improved puck handling and skating skills, indicative of his recent playing time with the Rimouski Oceanic in the QMJHL. His ability to make sharp, accurate passes was commendable, particularly during a sequence where he engaged in intelligent plays to maintain Swiss offensive pressure.

Although he still has areas to improve—such as defending against aggressive forechecks—Sansonnens' growth trajectory is impressive. This development of critical skills, particularly in puck management, presents a gleam of potential for his future in the NHL, though he may still face challenges on his path.

As the tournament progresses, both Tom Willander and Basile Sansonnens are steadily climbing the ranks of promising Canucks prospects, generating excitement for the team's future as they navigate the fierce competition at the World Juniors. Keep your eyes peeled; the next phase of their development could be just around the corner!