Sam Cosentino on the player: Few players have experienced a rise up the rankings like this 6-foot-1, 180-pound right shot defenceman.
Willander started the season as a B-ranked prospect on NHL Central Scouting’s Preliminary list. By January, he had appeared at No. 16 on the mid-term list, and finally ended the season as the 12th-ranked European skater.
Internationally, Willander never popped offensively until the U18s. The Hlinka-Gretzky, November Five Nations and February Four Nations saw him produce just four assists over 12 games. However, his three goals were most for a defenceman at the U18 worlds and his eight points were third-best amongst all defencemen. That offensive push helped change opinions of him in the scouting world. Where before he was viewed as a complementary type of player he is now being considered a viable two-way option.
Willander can play a variety of roles, as he did for Sweden in the U18 gold medal game in which he played over 30 minutes in the 3-2 overtime loss. He’s calm with the puck. He can transport it or make a good first pass. He also defends well enough to trust in key match-ups.
Jason Bukala's scouting report: Elite skater. Very similar to teammate Sandin Pellikka.
Two-way/transitional defenceman who has added more offence to his game. Scored three goals on the power play at U18's. More deception to his game with confidence-making plays and directing pucks on goal from range. Active defender who is smart and reliable. Not overly physical. An “area defender” who is calculating and smart on and off the puck. Leans top four NHL defenceman.
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