Canucks defenceman Tom Willander receives NHL call-up, set to make debut against Rangers

The Vancouver Canucks are all set to introduce one of their most promising defensive prospects, Tom Willander, from the AHL's Abbotsford Canucks. The young defenseman is poised to make his NHL debut in the upcoming matchup against the New York Rangers, representing the Vancouver Canucks, slated to be held on Tuesday at Rogers Arena.

The call-up represents a significant milestone for both the 20-year-old Swedish defenceman and the club’s long-term blue-line strategy.

Vancouver Canucks poised to debut top prospect Tom Willander against Rangers

The Vancouver Canucks are poised to debut one of their top prospect from the AHL’s Abbotsford Canucks, Tom Willander, against the New York Rangers. As per reports, he was recalled from the AHL’s Abbotsford Canucks earlier on Tuesday and spent the team’s gameday skate in the third pairing alongside Pierre-Olivier Joseph.Meanwhile, Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman has confirmed that Tom Willander is set to make his National Hockey League debut at Rogers Arena tonight against the New York Rangers."We will see for sure at morning skatebut looking like NHL debut tonight for the 2023 first-rounder," Friedman said.

As per reports, the 20-year-old blueliner was drafted 11th overall by the Canucks in 2023 and has a goal and two points in five games in the AHL.

After two seasons at Boston University and some time with Sweden’s Rögle BK, Willander signed his entry-level contract with the Canucks in May 2025. Besides, this season, in almost five games with Abbotsford, the 20-year-old has two points (one goal, one assist) and is a minus-five.

Injury concerns mount for Canucks after several players were sidelined

The Vancouver Canucks are set to wrap up their three-game home stand on Tuesday night against the New York Rangers, aiming to secure two crucial points.

However, the team’s growing injury list continues to be a major concern.As per earlier reports, Teddy Blueger, Filip Chytil, Derek Forbort, Nils Hoglander, Quinn Hughes, and Jonathan Lekkerimaki are sidelined due to injury, and it appears that they'll be joined by defenseman Victor Mancini, who left Sunday's game against the Edmonton Oilers.Mancini was injured during Sunday's 4-3 overtime win over Edmonton, and it is expected that he will be away for at least the next three games. As Quinn Hughes will miss another game for the second time, after missing it against the Oilers due to his injury, Tom Willander has been recalled from AHL Abbotsford to draw into the lineup for the Canucks now. Also read: NHL Injury Update 2025: Why star players like Brad Marchand and Quinn Hughes are missing key games | NHL News - The Times of India