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If there’s no longer an emergency, one or both of the Leafs callups must rejoin the AHL’s Marlies.
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Published Apr 07, 2026 • Last updated 5 hours ago • 2 minute read
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Toronto Marlies defenceman William Villeneuve. Photo by Barry McCluskey /Toronto MarliesArticle content
There could be a traffic jam of rookie laps around Scotiabank Arena the next few pre-game warm-ups as some NHL newcomers arrive.
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With the Maple Leafs at present are defenceman William Villeneuve and forward Luke Haymes as Toronto begins three games in four nights, while the Washington Capitals, who face the Leafs on Wednesday, have called up 6-foot-6 Ilya Protas.
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A 19-year-old, 225-pound centre, Protas will be hard to miss. A third-round pick two years ago, he was a first-year force for the AHL Hershey Bears with 62 points. Yet they call him Little Pro, because older brother Aliaksei, same height and 25 pounds heavier, is on the Caps already, and is a player the Leafs already have had trouble controlling.
The Leafs are considering emergency call-ups of Villeneuve and Haymes, both of whom were at practice on Tuesday. Villeneuve was summoned on an emergency basis after Oliver Ekman-Larsson suffered a lower-body injury and missed Toront’s 7-6 overtime loss to the Kings in Los Angeles.
But as he has done all-season, OEL didn’t sit for long and practiced full out in a strenuous team skate Tuesday that followed two days off. Haymes was called up Tuesday, and though coach Craig Berube indicated he would like a look at the pair if possible, if there’s no longer an emergency, one or both must rejoin the AHL’s Marlies.
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Berube hinted that some regulars are questionable for the game Wednesday, with issues he would not discuss.
“It’s nice to have them up here, get acclimated and if we need them, we’ll get them (in),” Berube said. “There’s value in getting young guys a game or two, a taste of the NHL.”
Toronto Marlies forward Luke Haymes (left) is shadowed by Kai Schwindt of the Charlotte Checkers in an AHL game in April 2026. Photo by Barry McCluskey /Toronto Marlies
Villeneuve has waited the longest, playing between 50 and 60 games for the Marlies in four seasons since he was a fourth-round pick in 2020. The Sherbrooke, Que., native has since grown into his 6-foot-2 frame as a stay-at-home blueliner.
“I look at myself since I got here in this organization, I’m not very big and still have to work on things physically and defensively, but I’ve grown a lot (mentally) in four years and feel confident in my game,” he said. “Every player has a different path and timeline (especially defencemen).
“We’re extremely fortunate to be around some depth staff here. I played with Kyle Clifford (the Stanley Cup winner with L.A. is now a farm coach) and Jake Muzzin is here day-to-day. I’ve played with NHL veteran Logan Shaw, too, They all say: ‘You think it’s hard getting to the NHL. But it’s harder to stay.’ ”
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The Ottawa-born Haymes, a free agent from Dartmouth College, brought his NCAA success to the Marlies at the end of the 2024-25 season and produced 32 points in 63 AHL games.
“My shot has improved a lot and I’m learning to find open spots, new ways to create offence. I try to be a sponge here, pick the brain of the guy beside me.
“My first day in the NHL … my family was pumped (even for) a practice.”
Lhornby@postmedia.com
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