Canucks call up Tom Willander for NHL debut against Rangers

The future has arrived in Vancouver.

Top prospect Tom Willander was called up by the Vancouver Canucks and is expected to make his NHL debut against the New York Rangers, the team announced on Tuesday.

Fellow defenceman Victor Mancini (undisclosed) was placed on IR, while Derek Forbort (undisclosed) was transferred to long-term IR.

Willander, the 2023 first-round pick, signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Canucks in May, making the jump to professional hockey.

The Swedish defenceman has spent most of this season in the AHL, playing five games with one goal and one assist.

“He’s a smart player. He’s got good skill, he’s got good feet. Just keep guys in front of you and extend your coverage and make hard plays,” Canucks head coach Adam Foote said.

Willander was briefly called up by the Canucks earlier in October, but did not appear in a game.

He did get his first taste of NHL action in the pre-season, when he averaged 16:33 of ice time and took two shots on goal over three games.

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He’ll be thrown right into the lion’s den for his regular-season debut in front of what is sure to be a charged-up crowd for J.T. Miller’s first game back in Vancouver with the Rangers.

The Canucks (5-5-0, fourth in Pacific Division) are battling a spate of injuries, with Quinn Hughes also day-to-day as he deals with a lower-body injury.

It’s unclear if Hughes or Mancini will suit up against the Rangers.

Puck drop is set for 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT with live coverage on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+.

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