Canucks Star Prospect Willander Shines at 2025 World Juniors as Sweden Crushes Slovakia

In a thrilling encounter on Boxing Day, Team Sweden showcased its prowess against Slovakia in the 2025 World Juniors, and Canucks prospect Tom Willander made headlines with his standout performance. This game only intensified the spotlight on Willander, particularly given his connection to fellow Swedish defenceman Axel Sandin-Pellikka, who was drafted just six spots ahead of him in the 2023 NHL Draft by the Detroit Red Wings.

As the Vancouver Canucks searched for a right-shot defenceman to enhance their prospect pool, both Willander and Sandin-Pellikka emerged as top choices. While public scouting assessments may have favored Sandin-Pellikka as the more dynamic prospect, the Canucks showed a clear preference for Willander, a decision that has ignited discussions among fans and analysts alike.

In the tournament's opening match, Sandin-Pellikka exploded onto the scene with an impressive four-point performance, including a natural hat trick. His skillful play and agility were on full display, leading Sweden to a decisive 5-1 victory against Slovakia. However, it's important to note that Slovakia is no slouch; they dominated Group B last year and had notable prospects like Miroslav Satan Jr. and Dalibor Dvorsky in their lineup.

Amidst Sandin-Pellikka's offensive fireworks, Willander quietly excelled, leading Sweden in ice time with almost 25 minutes on the clock. His performance mirrored his strong defensive instincts, as he effectively shut down Slovak attacks and demonstrated impressive speed and awareness on the ice. Willander's defensive skills are complemented by his ability to transition the puck quickly, ensuring the Swedish team maintained offensive pressure.

Offensively, Willander contributed significantly, activating from the blue line to create opportunities for both himself and his teammates. A standout moment came in the second period when he deftly navigated around a defender to deliver a near-perfect high-danger pass to Zeb Forsfjall, showcasing his offensive instincts.

Moreover, Willander assumed the role of quarterback for Sweden's top power play unit, signaling his growth since being drafted. He recorded his first point of the tournament by assisting Sandin-Pellikka with a slap-pass that ultimately resulted in a goal, underlining his dual-threat capability.

With Willander playing a crucial shutdown role alongside his power-play contributions, he is set to become a vital piece of Sweden's strategy in the tournament. While Sandin-Pellikka may be stealing the spotlight, Willander's all-around game is just as critical — and his potential is skyrocketing as the World Juniors progress.

Fans of the Vancouver Canucks have every reason to be excited, as both Willander and Sandin-Pellikka represent the bright future of Swedish hockey and the NHL's next wave of talent. With both players set to continue making headlines throughout the tournament, one thing is for certain: the competition is heating up, and these two will be worth watching every step of the way!