Willander appears likely to make the Canucks' Opening Night roster for the 2026-27 season, Thomas Drance of The Athletic reports Monday.
Willander will still need to make an impression during training camp in September as he pushes for a spot on the Opening Night roster, but Drance suggests that the blueliner's development would benefit most by playing at the NHL level. The 21-year-old Willander made 70 regular-season appearances last year in his first taste of NHL action, recording five goals, 16 assists, 78 blocked shots, 35 hits and 28 PIM while averaging 16:59 of ice time.