Defenseman William Villeneuve (76) during NHL training camp in Toronto (Image via Sammy Kogan/The Canadian Press via AP) The Toronto Maple Leafs have recently recalled a promising defenseman, William Villeneuve, from the AHL’s Toronto Marlies, providing him a key opportunity to be a part of the club in the NHL, amid the Winter Olympics break. As reported by the club, Villeneuve was called up by the Maple Leafs on Wednesday. This opportunity came for Villeneuve as the Toronto Maple Leafs have taken on players taking part in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. As per reports, amidst this Olympic break, the NHL squad has returned to practice this week. It is to be noted that Villeneuve is a fourth-round pick in the 2020 NHL Draft. As per reports, he has spent four professional seasons with the Marlies, amassing 12 goals and 96 assists in 203 AHL games. Last season, he broke out with 40 points (4 goals, 36 assists) in 55 games, leading the team’s defense in scoring and posting a +17 rating.
Toronto Maple Leafs recall defenseman William Villeneuve during the Winter Olympics 2026
To strengthen the team’s defense line, the Toronto Maple Leafs have recently announced that they’ve recalled defenseman William Villeneuve from the AHL’s Toronto Marlies during the ongoing Olympic Games. The decision was made to add an extra defenseman at the practices for the time being while they await Oliver Ekman-Larsson‘s return, who is currently representing Sweden at the Olympics.Though Villeneuve has prior experience in the AHL, the 23-year-old player doesn’t have any NHL experience yet. As per reports, Villeneuve played 55 games last season for the Marlies and recorded 36 assists. In addition to this, he has also recorded four goals and 40 points in 55 games during the 2024-25 campaign, before registering two assists in two playoff games.
William Villeneuve | Practice | January 30, 2026
In this season, he has scored around 18 points through 40 games, and also has recorded 3 goals and 15 assists with the Marlies, despite the team’s struggles. It is to be noted that the 23-year-old is also ranked as Toronto’s second-best defensive prospect, as claimed by Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun. But, his puck-moving skills address a need on the Leafs’ blue line beyond Ekman-Larsson and Morgan Rielly.Reports suggest that for now, William Villeneuve will be only allowed to take part in the Leafs practices while the roster is short-staffed, marking his first promotion this year. As Toronto is facing challenges and a potential trade deadline shuffle, signs show that Villeneuve could make an NHL debut soon, boosting his path to the big club.