2023 Calgary Flames Draft Preview: Top 5 D-Man Targets

CALGARY, AB - FEBRUARY 9: Assistant coach Ryan Huska of the Calgary Flames talks with Joakim Nordstrom #20, Jacob Markstrom #25, Christopher Tanev #8, Mikael Backlund #11 and Matthew Tkachuk #19 during a time-out in an NHL game against the Winnipeg Jets at Scotiabank Saddledome on February 9, 2021 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Derek Leung/Getty Images) /

5 of 6

Tomas Willander

All the attention on the Swedish prospects in this draft may go towards the next pick on our list, but Tomas Willander is every bit as capable, and while Tomas Willander has less experience in the SHL, he’s proven to be a physical, talented presence in the Swedish junior leagues. After failing to score in the U20 competition a season ago, Willander used last year to develop his game in both phases, with his composure and confidence standing out among other prospects, he could be a fantastic consolation if the top Swedish D-man is off the board.

Tom Willander has had all sorts of helium as the draft draws closer.

He's not the biggest player, but he loves to finish checks, skates beautifully, and may just have some extra offense buried under there.

I like him. pic.twitter.com/TApbixcXKN
— /Cam Robinson/ (@Hockey_Robinson) June 19, 2023

Despite his fantastic play offensively, especially in transition, he is more than capable of a physical style of play defensively, and if he could continue to develop in Sweden before joining the Wranglers, the Flames would no doubt have a long-term answer on the blue line on their hands if this is the play.

2022-23 stats: 4 goals, 21 assists for 25 points in 39 games at the J20 level in Sweden.

Home/Draft