Former Sea Dog gets the call to NHL
A member of the 2022 Memorial Cup champion Saint John Sea Dogs could be set to make his NHL debut.
Defenceman William Villeneuve was called up by the Toronto Maple Leafs this week, the first time he’s been promoted to the big club.
D William Villeneuve has been recalled from the Toronto Marlies (AHL).
— Leafs PR (@LeafsPR) February 18, 2026
Exactly when Villeneuve makes his NHL debut is up in the air.
The NHL is in the midst of an extended break while the Winter Olympics continue in Italy.
The Leafs don’t play again until Feb. 25, when they head to Tampa, Fla., to face the Lightning.
Villeneuve was drafted in the fourth round of the 2020 NHL draft by the Leafs.
He’s spent the last four seasons with their AHL affiliate, the Toronto Marlies. In 205 games with the Marlies, Villeneuve has 12 goals and 96 assists.
Villeneuve was a Sea Dog from 2018 through 2022, putting up 21 goals and 132 assists in 216 regular season games, and was an important part of the Memorial Cup-winning team in 2022.