One of the Canucks top prospects, Tom Willander, could be making his NHL debut with the team a lot sooner than anticipated, as early as later in the week. Vancouver Canucks prospect Tom Willander is ready to start his pro hockey career. <a href='https://theprovince.com/sports/hockey/nhl/vancouver-canucks/canucks-top-prospect-tom-willander-and-boston-university-elimination-playoffs-thursday' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>His Boston University team hosts Ohio State today</a> in the NCAA Toledo Regional's first round. If BU loses, the season would be over, leaving the door open for Willander to sign with the Canucks. If BU continues to win, its season can run as long as April 12, the last date of the Frozen Four, and postpone contract talks. <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/hockey_robinson/status/1905301587826000101'> </a></blockquote></div> As of the time this article was published, BU was ahead big in their game late in the 3rd period. Picked 11th overall in 2023, the smooth Swedish defenseman has had the Vancouver Canucks keep him on their watchlist. In his second NCAA season, <a href='https://www.nhl.com/canucks/player/tom-willander-8484240' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>Willander</a> scored two goals and 22 points in 35 games. He also impressed for Sweden in the World Juniors with five points in seven games. <h3>All indications is Willander will turn pro even though he could return to the NCAA</h3> While he is qualified to return to school, indications are that Willander turns pro. In fact, the majority of top-end NCAA blueliners such as Luke Hughes and Jake Sanderson turned pro after two years. Competition will certainly accelerate his maturation much quicker than another college season. If he does sign, Willander will either come to the AHL or the NHL, but because the Canucks are on a push towards the playoffs and have the defensive depth, he doesn't necessarily need to come in right away. As a right-handed shot, he'll battle with Tyler Myers, Filip Hronek, and Victor Mancini for a roster spot. <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/nucks0/status/1823968700363628955'> </a></blockquote></div> A 6-foot-1, high-energy two-way defenseman who can play big minutes, Willander is the Canucks' best prospect now that Jonathan Lekkerimaki is in the NHL. He's a building block for their future, and his growth is important as cost-effective players on entry-level contracts are gold in today's NHL.