Vancouver Canucks defenceman Willander available to play vs. New York Rangers: coach

Vancouver Canucks defenceman Willander available to play vs. New York Rangers: coach | iNFOnews.ca
Carolina Hurricanes' Nikolaj Ehlers (27) and Vancouver Canucks' Tom Willander (5) vie for the puck during the second period of an NHL hockey game in Vancouver on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns

VANCOUVER — Defenceman Tom Willander could be back in the lineup when his Vancouver Canucks host the New York Rangers on Friday.

Head coach Manny Malhotra says the 21-year-old Swedish blueliner will be available after missing the last four games with a lower-body injury.

Willander has three goals over 16 games for the Canucks (3-16-1) this season and is averaging 20:25 in ice time.

Malhotra also says centre Filip Chytil is “progressing” from a shoulder injury and will be evaluated after Friday’s morning skate.

Chytil has been out since Oct. 29 when he was sent into the boards via a hard hit from San Jose Sharks defenceman Darnell Nurse. He was place on injured reserve the following day.

The 27-year-old Czech forward has two assists on the season after missing the first eight games with an upper-body injury he picked up in pre-season play.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 13, 2026.

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