Maple Leafs Calling Up Villeneuve Could Lead to an Opportunity – The Hockey Writers – Toronto Maple Leafs

The Olympic hockey tournament is nearing an end and players have already begun reporting back to on-ice practice for when the season resumes. The Toronto Maple Leafs got some welcoming news as a number of players that needed the time off were present, including Chris Tanev, Dakota Joshua and Morgan Rielly. 

The Maple Leafs also made a roster move, calling up defenseman William Villeneuve. The news of Villeneuve’s call-up isn’t a major one and may not mean a whole lot, but for him, it could be a great opportunity to show his worth after spending years in the system developing to round out his game. 

Villeneuve’s Play to Date

It’s been a long journey for the Maple Leafs’ fourth-round pick of the 2020 NHL Draft. Villeneuve’s development has shown some upside both in the Quebec Maritime Junior Hockey League and American Hockey League. He had 153 points in 216 games played with the Saint John Sea Dogs during his junior years, including a Memorial Cup and after posting back-to-back 25-point seasons with the Toronto Marlies, he had a strong breakout 40-point campaign last season. 

He has 18 points in 40 games so far this season, but he has done everything to try and form a complete game, rather than just rely on his offensive instincts and puck-moving abilities. Marlies head coach John Gruden has been impressed with Villeneuve’s progression, but also being a leader and veteran at such a young age. 

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While it has been close to six years since he was drafted, let’s not forget, he’s only 23. This season with the Marlies, he has learned to pick his spots and learn to be a strong and consistent defender. Out of 18 points, 11 are primary and while his on-ice goals for percentage is down from 65.6% last season to 49.5% this season, his defensive game has still shown progression. He’s a puck-mover and does a great job to setup plays within the offensive zone, though he could look to get more shots and scoring chances for himself. 

Opportunity Calling for Villeneuve?

This season, the Maple Leafs defense has been a major problem in terms of their play within their own zone, breakouts and the overall pace of play. They aren’t quick, are slow on exits and players get beat easily on rush opportunities. 

It was something that should’ve been addressed early on as they could’ve changed their defense and become quicker. With possible changes coming to the backend with defensemen like Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Simon Benoit possibly being moved, it could be a sign of what’s to come for Villeneuve in the event that someone does get moved. He could get some ice time very soon and he has an opportunity to run away with a spot for the rest of the season.

The Maple Leafs’ blue line needs to get more mobile and quicker on the backend. Villeneuve has more speed, pace and skill on the backend compared to every defender on the team. The game is changing as other teams defense have more quick-skating, puck-moving defensemen that continue to stand above everyone else in the league. The Maple Leafs’ philosophy of defense first and suppressing shots sometimes isn’t enough and they need players to lead an attack.

Villeneuve does that as he continues to balance his offensive game with his defensive presence as well. He has a good frame at 6-foot-2, 192 pounds and while he’s not a physical player, he can handle his own as he has added some strength to his game. His skating can get him out of pressure and doesn’t force plays like we’ve seen with the NHL team.

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If and when Villeneuve does get in the lineup, it’ll still be an adjustment period for him. However, his skillset, progression and improving defensive game is something the Maple Leafs need right now. He has shown that he is able to elevate his play and can handle an increased role, like he did for the Marlies in the AHL. 

With possible changes looming, an opportunity is there for him to take a possible spot and prove his worth in a depth role. He’s been patient, deserved the call-up and should be given every opportunity to excel.

Statistics from AHL Tracker.