Lander broke into the Swedish Elitserien during the 2007–08 season as a centre for Timrå IK. He had also represented Timrå in the junior league between the 2006–07 and 2008–09 seasons. Lander was named one of the alternate captains for the team on September 22, 2009.[1] Before leaving Sweden, Lander played for Timrå IK in the Elitserien, where his father, Anders "Ante" Karlsson was the head coach.[2]
On April 28, 2011, Lander signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Edmonton Oilers, and committed to play in North America from the 2011–12 season.[3]
Demoted to the Oilers' farm team in Bakersfield in 2016, and later placed on waivers, Lander signed a contract on May 25, 2017 with Ak Bars Kazan of the KHL.[5]
After two productive seasons with Ak Bars, Lander left as a free agent following the 2018–19 season to sign a two-year contract with Lokomotiv Yaroslavl on May 1, 2019.[6]
On May 17, 2021, Lander joined EV Zug of the National League (NL) on a one-year deal with an option for a second season.[7] In the 2021–22 season, Lander quickly adapted to the Swiss league and contributed offensively with 12 goals and 31 points through 42 regular season games. He added two assists through the post-season, helping Zug claim the NL Championship.
On April 4, 2022, Lander having opted to leave Switzerland, decided to return to Sweden and sign a three-year contract with his original club, Timrå IK of the SHL.[8]
