Leafs sign 23 year old blueliner to one year contract

This just in, the Toronto Maple Leafs have signed 23 year old defenseman William Villeneuve to a one year, two-way contract.

From the Leafs' press release statement:

The Toronto Maple Leafs announced today that the hockey club has signed defenceman William Villeneuve to a one-year, two-way contract extension.

Villeneuve, 23, recorded 40 points (four goals, 36 assists) in 55 games with the Toronto Marlies (AHL) during the 2024-25 season, while also collecting two assists in two games during the 2025 Calder Cup Playoffs. The Sherbrooke, QC native has posted 90 points (nine goals, 81 assists) in 165 career regular season AHL games.

Prior to joining the Marlies, Villeneuve posted 153 points (21 goals, 132 assists) in 216 career regular season QMJHL games with the Saint John Sea Dogs, while adding seven points (one goal, six assists) in 11 playoff games. Villeneuve won the 2022 Memorial Cup with the Sea Dogs and was named to the 2020 and 2022 QMJHL Second All-Star Team.

The 6’2”, 195-pound defenceman was originally selected by Toronto in the fourth round (122nd overall) of the 2020 NHL Draft.

Villeneuve will likely be counted on to provide the Leafs with some defensive depth at the AHL level with the Toronto Marlies.