WILLIAM VILLENEUVE

2025-08-17

Scout: Chris

Defense

Toronto Maple Leafs

122 Overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs (2020 NHL Entry Draft)

Skating:

Skating has improved since he was drafted but he remains a slightly below average skater with a choppy stride.

Passing/Handling:

Villeneuve is a below average handler and distributor, opting for short passes, or rifling the puck up the boards in lieu of heading up the rush. Struggles to make plays under pressure.

Shooting:

Villeneuve raised his shot volume significantly this past season, however both his wrist shot and slapper are both average at best.

IQ (Vision, Anticipation, Panic/Poise):

Villeneuve is a meat and potatoes player who lacks lacks the imagination and vision of an NHL defender. He often defers to teammates and relies on the short pass game to advance the puck up the ice.

Forechecking:

Defense:

Villeneuve is diligent in the defensive zone, boxing out opposing forwards in front of his net. He leverages his stick checks effectively but overall is an average defender with room to improve.

Best Asset:

Villeneuve works hard in the defensive zone, engages physically and won't back down in puck battles.

Biggest Concern:

He lacks the raw tools and IQ to be an everyday NHL player at this stage in his development.

Top Tier/Role Potential:

7th defender, AHL tweener

Justification for Top Tier Assessment:

Could be leveraged as an injury replacement at some point

50th Percentile Tier/Role:

AHL journeyman

Justification for 50th Percentile Tier Assessment:

His tools and IQ will limit his ability to make the jump to the NHL unless there is a significant change in his developmental curve.

Stylistic Comparable:

N/A

Scouts Final Thoughts and Additional Stats/Info:

Despite the lack of the depth in the Leaf's system I don't see Villeneuve being anything more than a depth option for them.