Leafs rookie set to finally debut 6 years after being drafted.

Playing even a single game in the National Hockey League means you are one of the world's truly elite hockey players, which is why the achievement means so much to so many professional hockey players. It takes a ton of hard work to make that dream a reality however and on Saturday that dream will come true for one young man who has worked especially hard towards that ultimate goal.

William Villeneuve was drafted in the fourth round (122nd overall) of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft by the Toronto Maple Leafs and he has gone on to appear in 225 American Hockey League games since that selection, never once earning a chance at hitting the ice in the NHL. That all changed on Saturday however when the Maple Leafs announced that 3 of their regulars would be shut down for what remains of the regular season, opening the door for Villeneuve to get his first ever shot at playing in the big league.

"It's pretty special, especially in Toronto," said Villeneuve on Saturday. "When I look back, I got into the organization in 2020 and been playing here for four years so I feel pretty grateful and pretty lucky to be here today and I'm excited for the opportunity."

Villeneuve appeared in 59 AHL games for the Marlies this season and had 3 goals and 26 assists for a total of 29 points over that stretch of play. His debut won't be an easy one as the Maple Leafs face off against the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers on Saturday night, however the Panthers are also playing with a several depleted lineup.

Unfortunately for Villeneuve, fans may actually be cheering for the Maple Leafs to lose in his debut with many viewing this as a must-lose type of game for the Maple Leafs.