In the demanding world of professional hockey, a common adage echoes through locker rooms and arenas: “It`s hard to make the NHL, but even harder to stay.” This season, the Vancouver Canucks present a compelling narrative that perfectly encapsulates this challenge, featuring two promising young Swedish defencemen, Elias Pettersson and Tom Willander, who are not only vying for roster spots but doing so side-by-side.
A Shared Past, A Common Future
Their story isn`t just about individual ambition; it`s about a unique partnership. Elias Pettersson, 21, and Tom Willander, 20, have previously patrolled the blue line together for Sweden`s world junior team. Now, they are set to rekindle that defensive pairing for the Canucks` prospects, offering a fascinating glimpse into a potential future tandem. This isn`t merely a tactical decision; it`s a testament to their complementary skill sets and a shared understanding developed over international competition.
Elias Pettersson: The Veteran Prospect
Pettersson arrives at training camp with a distinct advantage: 28 games of NHL experience under his belt from the previous season. His journey to the big league was swift, perhaps even surprising to some, after spending two and a half seasons in the Swedish Hockey League and a stint with the AHL`s Abbotsford Canucks. What propelled him forward? According to Mikael Samuelsson, Canucks player development coach, it`s his mindset.
“His mindset doesn`t make it harder for him to stay because he has a mindset of… he got a taste [of the NHL] last year, but he knows he`s not done with development. Petey probably surprised people last year, including himself. But he`s like, I`m not done. He`s humble. He plays within his limits. He doesn`t think he is something he`s not. He knows his role and he knows what he`s good at.”
This self-awareness, combined with his physicality and superior skating, allowed Pettersson to adapt quickly. He is a `defence-first` player, prioritizing smart decisions and making the game easier for his partner, a quality that is highly valued in the NHL.
Tom Willander: The Collegiate Phenom`s Leap
Willander`s path, while different, is equally impressive. An 11th overall pick two years ago, he honed his skills at Boston University, culminating in a critical experience playing for Sweden`s national team ahead of last spring`s World Championship. This exposure to NHL-calibre players and game pace was invaluable, offering a preview of what awaits him.
His contract negotiations earlier this year, marked by a “disconcerting standoff” over bonus schedules, only underscore his determination and strategic approach to his career. Fresh out of college, Willander faces the immediate challenge of transitioning to professional hockey, a leap he acknowledges is significant.
“I think pro hockey is very different from college hockey, obviously. But, you know, when you play with better players, there are some things that are a bit different. Defending is harder, but I think parts of the offensive game is a lot easier because you get the puck, like, quicker and earlier, so you really have more time than you would have maybe playing at the college level.”
While also a `defence-first` player, Willander possesses a higher offensive ceiling, a trait that was likely a factor in his high draft position. Critically, he plays the right side, a position where the Canucks currently have fewer natural options beyond Filip Hronek and Tyler Myers, potentially giving him a strategic edge in securing a roster spot.
The Canucks` Defensive Landscape
The Vancouver Canucks boast a formidable defensive corps, led by superstar Quinn Hughes and stalwart Filip Hronek. Veterans like Marcus Pettersson, Tyler Myers, and Derek Forbort add depth and experience. Pierre-Olivier Joseph is another contender. This established group means Pettersson and Willander aren`t just fighting for a spot; they`re fighting to displace an incumbent or prove they are indispensable.
The competition is fierce, but the Canucks have deliberately cultivated a system where prospects are given opportunities if they earn them. The question isn`t whether they *can* play in the NHL, but whether they can perform consistently at that level *now*.
Mindset: The Ultimate Differentiator
Samuelsson emphasizes that beyond talent, it is the mental approach that separates those who merely visit the NHL from those who establish careers. Both Pettersson and Willander appear to possess the right mindset: humble, focused on daily development, and aware of their strengths without overestimating their current status.
Their friendly rivalry, including a recent, self-admittedly “unfair” tennis match loss, speaks volumes. It`s a competitive spirit, but one that fuels mutual growth rather than division. “They will push each other. They will feed off each other, too, especially if they play together,” Samuelsson noted, recognizing the inherent benefits of two driven individuals striving towards the same goal.
The Road Ahead
As training camp commences, all eyes will be on these two young defencemen. Elias Pettersson, with his taste of the big league, aims to cement his place, leveraging his experience and disciplined game. Tom Willander, fresh from collegiate and international success, seeks to prove his draft pedigree translates immediately to NHL effectiveness, particularly from the coveted right side.
Their journey is a compelling subplot in the Canucks` season, a narrative of ambition, development, and the relentless pursuit of a dream. Whether they both succeed, or only one, or neither, their intertwined paths highlight the enduring truth of hockey`s most challenging leap: making it to the NHL, and perhaps even harder, finding a way to stay.
