The 24-year-old has been recalled by the Leafs a few times in the past several years but has yet to make his National Hockey League debut<\/p>\n
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Published Apr 04, 2026 \u00a0\u2022\u00a0 Last updated 1\u00a0hour ago \u00a0\u2022\u00a0 2 minute read<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n You can save this article by registering for free here<\/a>. Or sign-in<\/a> if you have an account.<\/p>\n The Maple Leafs have recalled defenceman William Villeneuve from the Toronto Marlies on an emergency basis.<\/p>\n Advertisement 2<\/p>\n This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY<\/p>\n Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.<\/p>\n Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.<\/p>\n SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES<\/p>\n Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.<\/p>\n Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.<\/p>\n REGISTER \/ SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES<\/p>\n Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.<\/p>\n Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.<\/p>\n THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.<\/p>\n Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.<\/p>\n Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authors<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n With veteran defenceman Oliver Ekman-Larsson<\/a> (lower body) out of the lineup for the game on Saturday night in Los Angeles against the Kings, the call went out to the right-shooting Villeneuve for insurance purposes.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Coach Craig Berube told media in Los Angeles on Friday afternoon that there would be some other game-time decisions as some Leafs are banged up. On Saturday, Berube told media that Villeneuve will not play against the Kings.<\/p>\n At practice on Friday, the Toronto defence pairs were Morgan Rielly-Philippe Myers; Jake McCabe-Brandon Carlo; and Simon Benoit-Troy Stecher.<\/p>\n The 24-year-old Villeneuve has been recalled by the Leafs a few times in the past several years but has not yet made his National Hockey League debut. A fourth-round pick by the Leafs in 2020, Villeneuve leads Marlies D-men in scoring this season with 28 points (three goals and 25 assists) in 58 games.<\/p>\n Advertisement 3<\/p>\n This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n He\u2019s also second among all Marlies in penalty minutes with 64.<\/p>\n Read More<\/p>\n Why Morgan Rielly’s ‘uneasy’ feeling should permeate Maple Leafs organization<\/p>\n <\/a> Eliminated Maple Leafs still have a role to play in draft, playoff races<\/p>\n <\/a> Defencemen Hayes Hundley, Vinny Borgesi thrilled to join Maple Leafs prospect pool<\/p>\n <\/a>Possible participation<\/p>\n Whether Villeneuve gets in a Leafs game remains to be seen, but considering that the team has been eliminated from playoff contention, it wouldn\u2019t hurt to catch a glimpse of what he could provide.<\/p>\n During the Olympic break in February, Villeneuve was recalled for a couple of Leafs practices. He missed some games in December as he dealt with a bout of mononucleosis.<\/p>\n We caught up with Villeneuve at the end of February.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s been a challenging year a little bit physically,\u201d Villeneuve said at the time.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t think my game has been exactly what I wanted it to be. But I\u2019m turning a corner and trying to focus on the last stretch of the season and be the player that I know I can be.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s about being a little bit more direct. I think my defending has been a little bit better, but sometimes when you start overthinking, you don\u2019t move the puck as quick.\u201d<\/p>\n Joseph Woll will start in goal against the Kings.<\/p>\n![\"Belleville](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/0226-william-villeneuve-marlies-senators.jpg\")
Belleville Senators Xavier Bourgault tries to power past Toronto Marlies William Villeneuve during a game earlier this season. TIM AUSTEN\/FREESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHYArticle content<\/p>\n![\"Toronto](\"https:\/\/dcs-static.gprod.postmedia.digital\/20.9.1\/websites\/images\/identity\/logo-identity-tsun.svg\"){kind=logo}
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Oliver Ekman-Larsson #95 of the Toronto Maple Leafs controls the puck during the third period against the Philadelphia Flyers at Xfinity Mobile Arena on January 8, 2026 in Philadelphia. Photo by Emilee Chinn \/Getty Images<\/p>\n![\"Maple](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Morgan-Rielly-files-March21.jpg\")
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