The Vancouver Canucks will likely be represented on a variety of teams at this year’s World Juniors.
The annual tournament is closely followed by many hockey fans and a great chance for tomorrow’s stars to introduce themselves on a huge stage.
The Canucks have three prospects who will likely be playing for their country.
1. Tom Willander, Sweden
- 2024-25 stats: 14 GP, 2 G, 7 A, 9 PTS (NCAA)
- Age: 19
- Drafted: 11th overall, 2023 NHL draft
Tom Willander is one of the best prospects in the Canucks organization and should play a huge role for Sweden this year. He’s already been named to the team and is expected to hold down a spot in the top four.
The right-handed blueliner is enjoying a solid sophomore season at Boston University. He’s seen as a steady contributor who can play in all situations.
With the Canucks having a need on the right side of their defence group, the hope is that Willander can make the NHL in the next few years and help fill that gap.
2. Sawyer Mynio, Canada
- 2024-25 stats: 15 GP, 4 G, 13 A, 17 PTS (WHL)
- Age: 19
- Drafted: 89th overall, 2023 NHL draft
Sawyer Mynio has risen up the Canucks organization’s depth chart this season. He received a lot of praise from Rick Tocchet at training camp and has gotten off to a strong start with the Seattle Thunderbirds in the AHL.
Mynio has already been invited to Team Canada’s training camp but hasn’t made the final roster yet. Many projections have him making the final team including that from TSN’s Craig Button and The Athletic’s Scott Wheeler, Corey Pronman, and Max Bultman.
TSN Director of Scouting @CraigJButton projects Team Canada’s roster for the 2025 World Junior Championship. What do you think? 🇨🇦 #WorldJuniors
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— TSN (@TSN_Sports) November 1, 2024
While Mynio is over a point-per-game so far this season with the Thunderbirds, he’s seen as a stopper who is tough to play against. Those types of players are crucial for short tournaments like the World Juniors and thus it’s likely he gets a spot.
3. Basile Sansonnens, Switzerland
- 2024-25 stats: 23 GP, 0 G, 3 A, 3 PTS
- Age: 18
- Drafted: 221st overall, 2024 NHL draft
Basile Sansonnens, 18, is the third Canucks prospect who will likely be playing for Switzerland. He’s currently in his first full season in North America and has picked up a few assists so far.
At 6-foot-4, he has the size that NHL teams covet and he’s seen as a defensive defenceman. Switzerland has not yet released its World Juniors rosters, but most expect Sansonnens to make the team.