The Maple Leafs have signed one of their prospects, announcing that they’ve inked defenseman William Villeneuve to a three-year, entry-level contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The 19-year-old was drafted back in 2020 following an impressive QMJHL season with Saint John that saw him lead all blueliners in scoring with 58 points in 64 games. However, despite that strong showing, Villeneuve had to wait a while for his name to be called as he was a fourth-round pick (122nd overall) that year. Last season, he suited up in 33 regular season games with the Sea Dogs, collecting 20 points while adding six more in as many postseason contests before joining the AHLs Marlies for two games down the stretch.
Villeneuve is expected to soon be loaned back to Saint John for their upcoming season which will be a long one as they are hosting the Memorial Cup which will take place in early June. Unless he plays in more than 10 games with Toronto this season, his contract will slide for 2021-22 and still have three years left on it in 2022-23.
Leafs already have Willy Nilly and Dubas just has to go and grab a Willy Villy
All this Willy grabbing, you’d swear the Leafs hired Aldrich.