The pandemic NHL Draft was one of the most interesting — the Maple Leafs and every other team in their own war room drafting players in October rather than June.
Toronto had 12 picks back in 2020, the most they’ve had in a draft since 1996. A number of good players were picked but the one we’re going to focus on today is William Villeneuve.
This is the first time he’s cracked the top-20 of The Leafs Nation’s Prospect Rankings and the 20-year-old is ready for his first year of pro. Villeneuve just finished his final season of junior, winning the Memorial Cup with the Saint John Sea Dogs at home.
William Villeneuve
RD | Saint John Sea Dogs | Age: 20 | 6-foot-2 | 181 lbs | Shoots: RAcquired: 2020 Draft, 122nd overall | 2021 Ranking: N/A
There’s a lot to look at with Villeneuve as a prospect. He’s got the size, at six-foot-two, but his weight still isn’t where it might need to be for pro. Yet that may be one of the only downsides to the 20-year-old’s last season in junior, and future as a pro.
One of the ways he’s able to shine is being a smart two-way defenceman. Villeneuve, in 64 games with the Sea Dogs this season, had eight goals and 46 assists for 56 points — all of that while still …

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Author: Nick Barden / The Leafs Nation