TheVancouver Canucks recalled the 2023 first-rounder from the AHL on Monday, alongside forward Nils Ã…man and assigned defenceman Jimmy Schuldt to Abbotsford.
Willander, 20, signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Canucks in May, making the jump to professional hockey.
The right-shot D-man began the year in Abbotsford after playing in three pre-season game with Vancouver. In the exhibition contests, he averaged 16:33 of ice time and took two shots on goal.
Through four games in the AHL, Willander scored one goal and carried a minus-5 rating.
In 2024-25, the Swedish-born Willander completed his second season with the Boston University Terriers, notching two goals and 24 points in 39 games. In 77 total games with the Terriers, he recorded 49 points.
The moves come after Vancouver was forced to place forwards Filip Chytil and Jonathan Lekkerimaki on injured reserve earlier Monday.
Ã…man has appeared in games with the Canucks in each of the past three seasons. In 130 career NHL games, he has eight goals and 29 points.
He return to Abbotsford to begin 2025-26, and registered three assists in four games.
Schuldt, meanwhile, hadn’t played a regular-season game with Vancouver this season. He arrived with the organization on a two-year, two-way contract in the off-season.
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