The comparison came long before Tom Willander took a traditional solo lap in his NHL regular-season debut Oct. 28 at Rogers Arena . Article content

The Vancouver Canucks rookie defenceman was linked to Charlie McAvoy of the Boston Bruins because of an impressive skill set, speed, and poise. He also looks to blueliner Miro Heiskanen of the Dallas Stars as inspiration to keep improving. Article content Article content

“I like their games,” Willander said Wednesday before facing the Chicago Blackhawks in his fifth regular-season game. “The way they take their duties very seriously, a defence-first mentality, but also have the skill to help offensively.”

Pretty impressive company for a guy who didn’t always have that strong a skating stride to jump up into the play.

“When I started

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