What Happened
Tom Willander was a late scratch for the Vancouver Canucks' game against the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday night. The Canucks told reporters before puck drop that the 21-year-old defenceman suffered a lower-body injury during morning skate. It is the first game he has missed this season after appearing in all 16 of Vancouver's contests to date.
Key Details
- Willander has three assists in 16 games this season.
- He averages 20:25 of ice time per game, third-most on the Canucks.
- The Stockholm native was selected 11th overall by Vancouver in 2023.
- Vancouver has lost 13 of its last 14 games and is 3-12-1.
- The Canucks are last in the Pacific Division.
What It Means
Willander's absence removes a heavily used young defenceman from a Vancouver blue line that has leaned on him for more than 20 minutes a night. The Canucks are already last in the Pacific Division at 3-12-1 and have dropped 13 of their past 14 games, so losing a top-three minutes defenceman adds pressure to an already struggling group.
What's Next
The Canucks have not announced a timeline for Willander's return. His status will be worth monitoring as Vancouver continues its schedule without him.