The Toronto Maple Leafs have formally been eradicated from the NHL playoffs this season, and their ultimate six video games can be utilized as a testing floor. That’s no less than what the top coach Craig Berube‘s newest roster transfer suggests.
On Saturday, Toronto introduced it had recalled defenseman William Villeneuve from the AHL’s Toronto Marlies.
“D William Villeneuve has been recalled from the Toronto Marlies (AHL) on an emergency foundation,” the Canadian franchise announced.
The reason being the latest lower-body injury suffered by Swedish Oliver Ekman-Larsson. That mentioned, Berube confirmed Saturday that Villeneuve, 24, won’t play instantly and can start solely as a depth piece in case one other damage happens.
Even so, it will not be far-fetched to see Villeneuve lastly make his NHL debut, provided that the Toronto franchise is already out of playoff rivalry. His AHL numbers make it attention-grabbing to see him on the highest degree.
Within the 2025-26 season, Villeneuve has appeared in 58 video games with the Marlies, recording three objectives and 25 assists for 28 factors. He has amassed 64 penalty minutes, suggesting the younger defenseman brings a heavy bodily recreation — one thing extremely valued by Berube.
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Villeneuve had already been known as as much as a few Toronto observe classes in the course of the Olympic break in February, however didn’t make his debut. On the time, the Toronto Solar interviewed him, and the defenseman revealed he was engaged on creating a extra direct recreation.
“I do not suppose my recreation has been precisely what I needed it to be. However I am turning a nook and making an attempt to concentrate on the final stretch of the season and be the participant that I do know I will be,” Villeneuve said. “It is about being just a little bit extra direct. I believe my defending has been just a little bit higher, however generally whenever you begin overthinking, you do not transfer the puck as fast.”
As with Villeneuve’s case, it can’t be dominated out that Berube remembers different Marlies skills for these ultimate regular-season video games, and even offers higher prominence to younger gamers already often on the principle roster, reminiscent of ahead Easton Cowan.
Maybe the Maple Leafs will discover a few attention-grabbing options heading into subsequent season, which seems set to be a rebuilding marketing campaign.
