The Maple Leafs have already issued Villeneuve a qualifying offer, indicating that the organization retains his NHL rights (Getty Images) As NHL clubs are busy trading and acquiring players ahead of the upcoming NHL season, reports suggest that insiders are urging the Vancouver Canucks to consider Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman William Villeneuve for their defense lineup. According to Heavy Sports, The Athletic’s Thomas Drance identified Villeneuve as a potential waiver target for Vancouver. The NHL expert is of the opinion that the right-shot defenseman could find himself exposed if Toronto’s defensive depth leaves him outside the Maple Leafs’ opening-night roster.
Will the Vancouver Canucks consider Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman William Villeneuve?
Vancouver Canucks are urged to consider Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman William Villeneuve, as the new general manager Ryan Johnson recently hinted that he is “looking at every avenue” to improve the team. Not only this, along with potential trades, Vancouver will also likely be active on the waiver wire because the Canucks had an NHL-worst 58 points last year, they currently have top priority in waivers.This is the reason why Thomas Drance is hinting that Johnson could soon look to land William Villeneuve from the Toronto Maple Leafs. The defenseman, while highly rated at his current club, may be forced out due to Toronto’s depth at the position.Meanwhile, Drance claimed, “If Chris Tanev is healthy or Ben Danford looks ready, the 6-foot-2 righty could end up on waivers this fall. A 2020 fourth-round pick, Villeneuve has size and NHL tools, and has produced and won championships everywhere on the way up.”As for Villeneuve’s background, he was selected by Toronto in the fourth round of the 2020 NHL Draft. The player has spent much of his professional career developing with the Toronto Marlies in the American Hockey League (AHL), where he has established himself as a productive two-way defenseman.As per the records, the blueliner has scored 30 points in 61 games for the Marlies during the 2025-26 season and previously registered 40 points during the 2024-25 campaign. He also received his first taste of NHL action last season, appearing in three games with the Maple Leafs.In fact, Villeneuve signed a two-year contract extension with Toronto earlier this summer. The deal carries an average annual value of less than $1 million, and he is under contract through the 2027-28 season before becoming a restricted free agent. Also, it has come to light that the Maple Leafs will go with Darren Raddysh, Chris Tanev, and Emil Andrae on their right side of defense.Experts are of the opinion that Vancouver finished last season with an NHL-worst 58 points, giving the club priority on the waiver wire; this could possibly put new general manager Ryan Johnson as well as the club in an advantageous position if Villeneuve becomes available, further strengthening their roster ahead of the upcoming NHL season.