Leafs Prospect named a finalist for QMJHL Defenseman of the Year
The Leafs' prospect pipeline took a huge hit for a few seasons in the Dave Nonis, Mark Hunter, Lou Lamoriello years, but thankfully, current Leafs GM Kyle Dubas has done some excellent work in plucking quite a few mid-to-late round gems in recent seasons. Such is the case with QMJHL defenseman William Villeneuve.
Villeneuve was drafted in the 4th round of the 2020 draft by the Leafs after a breakout season with the QMJHL's St John's Seadogs. He registered 58 points in 64 games at the time. He attended the Leafs training camp this past season and although he was sent back to the Seadogs, he did enough to earn a 3 year entry level deal with the club that will likely start next season. He is still likely a few years away from the NHL but will fit in nicely with the Marlies to continue developing.
This season with the Seadogs, he skated in 64 games registering 56 points and finished with a +/- of +60. Villeneuve has been noticed for his spectacular season and has been nominated as one of 3 finalists for the defenseman of the year in the QMJHL. Of course, like all players say, individual awards are nice, but they want to win the big one, which will be the Memorial Cup in June that he and the Seadogs will be hosting. However, being nominated for the award in his last season of junior hockey shows progress in his development towards playing in the AHL and NHL.
| POLL | ||
MAI 25 | 26 ANSWERS Leafs Prospect named a finalist for QMJHL Defenseman of the Year Is William Villeneuve good enough to eventually crack the NHL roster? | ||
| Yes | 12 | 46.2 % |
| No | 7 | 26.9 % |
| Who? | 7 | 26.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
