The National Hockey League, a stage where dreams are both realized and rigorously tested, famously poses a dual challenge: it`s hard to make the league, but even harder to stay. For the Vancouver Canucks, this timeless adage now frames the compelling narrative of two young Swedish defencemen, Tom Willander and Elias Pettersson, as they embark on a joint mission to secure their place among hockey’s elite. Their journey from promising prospects to potential NHL mainstays is not just a test of skill, but of grit, adaptability, and the elusive mental game.
A Swedish Alliance on the Blue Line
At 21, Elias Pettersson, not to be confused with the illustrious forward bearing the same surname, returns to camp with a taste of NHL action already savored. Joining him is 20-year-old Tom Willander, fresh from the collegiate ranks, an 11th-overall draft pick whose potential has long been lauded. Both are mobile, physically imposing Swedes, ranked among the Canucks` top prospects, and, for now, slated to patrol the blue line together for the upcoming prospect games against the Seattle Kraken counterparts. A partnership forged in junior hockey, now renewed on the precipice of professional dreams, offers an intriguing subplot to Vancouver’s pre-season.
Pettersson`s Return: Building on a Surprise Debut
Pettersson`s rookie season was, by many accounts, a delightful surprise. After navigating the Swedish Hockey League, he arrived in North America with expectations of a full AHL development stint. Instead, a mid-season call-up saw him logging 28 NHL games, demonstrating a maturity and physicality beyond his years. His mindset, as noted by Canucks player development coach Mikael Samuelsson, is key: humble, aware of his ongoing development, and focused on excelling within his known strengths.
“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 isn`t a player resting on past laurels; it`s an individual eager to prove the “harder to stay” part of the axiom is a challenge, not a barrier, approaching his second training camp with the same grounded determination that propelled his unexpected rise.
Willander`s Ascent: College, Contracts, and Calibre
Willander, by contrast, approaches the NHL as a pure rookie, but with a significant pedigree. His collegiate tenure at Boston University, culminating in a somewhat tense contract negotiation over bonus schedules, nonetheless provided valuable high-level experience. A subsequent call-up to Sweden’s national team for the World Championship offered a preview of NHL-calibre pace and talent, a fortunate byproduct of his contract delay. As Samuelsson suggests, Willander possesses the talent but must demonstrate the daily commitment and mental fortitude to avoid the pitfall of immediate expectations.
“He has a lot to prove if he wants to make the NHL right away… He has the talent to play, but it`s all between your ears from that point on. It`s mindset.”
His right-shot advantage on a Canucks blue line needing depth there is a distinct asset, offering a clear path if he can seize the opportunity.
More Than Just Teammates: A Complementary Pairing
What makes this pairing particularly intriguing is their shared history and complementary styles. They were defensive partners for Sweden`s world junior team, a bond that extends even to a recent, rather less successful, doubles tennis match (Willander, admirably, cites a lack of prior racket experience, making their loss to an unnamed opponent less of a concern for his hockey future, perhaps). Willander praises Pettersson as a “defence-first type of guy” who simplifies the game, while Pettersson acknowledges Willander`s talent and the mutual desire to make the NHL *together*. Both are strong skaters and physically mature, traits crucial for navigating the rigors of professional hockey.
Their individual strengths could forge a formidable collective. Willander, with his higher offensive ceiling from his draft position, and Pettersson, known for his physicality, represent a balanced and potentially dynamic duo. It’s a classic case of 1+1 potentially equaling 3, or at least 2 highly effective defencemen.
The Mental Game: Where Prospects Become Professionals
The path from prospect to bona fide NHL regular is rarely linear. It`s often littered with mental hurdles as much as physical ones. Samuelsson underscores the importance of mindset, stating, “It`s all between your ears from that point on.” For Pettersson, it`s about maintaining his grounded approach, avoiding complacency after his initial success. For Willander, it’s about balancing ambition with the patience for sustained development, accepting that a fast track isn`t the only track.
Their ability to push and feed off each other, as Samuelsson highlights, will be invaluable – a competitive camaraderie that can elevate both individuals. They will aim to be the “go-to pairing” in prospect tournaments, a crucial step in building confidence for the main camp.
The Road Ahead: Training Camp and Strategic Opportunities
The Canucks` current defensive corps boasts star power in Quinn Hughes and Filip Hronek, complemented by reliable veterans like Marcus Pettersson, Tyler Myers, and Derek Forbort, with Pierre-Olivier Joseph also in the mix. While talent abounds, an opening for a hungry, effective young defenceman, particularly a right-shot like Willander, is certainly present. The upcoming training camp in Penticton will serve as their grand audition, a proving ground where potential must translate into consistent, NHL-ready performance.
As the September sun sets on the pre-season, the spotlight intensifies on Tom Willander and Elias Pettersson. Their shared heritage, intertwined development paths, and palpable desire to succeed collectively create a narrative of compelling promise. Whether they ascend to the NHL ranks as a pair or individually, their journey embodies the spirit of dedication required to conquer the league`s twin challenges. The Canucks, and their fans, will undoubtedly be watching closely, counting on these two young Swedes to not just make the team, but to stick around for the long haul – perhaps even changing the old saying to: “It`s hard to make the NHL, but with the right mindset, it`s a joy to stay.”
Ellis Thorne 
Percy Harlow