Leafs prospect admits his high scoring numbers are hiding a significant flaw
Photo credit: Marc DesRosiers-IMAGN Images
Toronto Maple Leafs defensive prospect William Villeneuve acknowledged that although his scoring has been a highlight this year, it doesn't change the fact he still needs to round out his game.
There's been discussions about whether or not the Toronto Maple Leafs should give defensive prospect William Villeneuve a true chance in the lineup, as he would give the team a very skilled playmaker on the back end who could help transform the offense on the blueline.
He has yet to really get any shot, and since Brad Treliving took over it can feel like there's less of a path for Villeneuve as a 'Kyle Dubas' pick, at least from the outside. Players who don't fit the current mould on the NHL roster haven't cracked through yet.
The cost of offensive output: analyzing Villeneuve's sudden minus rating
Villeneuve also revealed that there are facets of his game that may be holding him back from making the leap.
Villeneuve spoke with The Hockey News' Nick Barden recently and explained that while he's nailed down the offensive part of his game, in order for him to really make an impact he needs to play a complete two-way game.
Villeneuve stated:
For me, it's just a question of trying to put everything together and have a complete game. I would say I think I could be better, and I will be, and that's just something that I want to focus on for December.
So far, Villeneuve has 12 points in 20 games but has put up worse defensive numbers this year than last season and he knows that he needs to pick up the slack if he wants a shot.
'More consistent overall': Why Villeneuve knows defense is what will make or break his call-up
With Toronto's injury woes hitting their defensemen hard, Villeneuve should be getting a chance, but with who has been shut down (Brandon Carlo and Chris Tanev), it's hard to make a case for him without a more complete game.
But it's something he knows all too well about, and mentioned to Barden that once he gets more consistent then those chances will better present themselves.
Villeneuve continued:
I think it's being more consistent. I think it's the thing we've been talking about for a couple of years now. I think there's a lot of ups and downs, and I just want to find a way to have a game, like a stable game, where I can be relied on every single night and ride with the good (games) and not let the bad ones get too bad.
So just being more consistent overall. November, it's been up and down a little bit, so I want to find a way in December, and moving forward, to be a little bit more reliable and more consistent.
So just being more consistent overall. November, it's been up and down a little bit, so I want to find a way in December, and moving forward, to be a little bit more reliable and more consistent.
In other words, Villeneuve knows that until coaches can trust him for a 'no-drama' defensive night, the points alone won't be enough to earn him a real look in Toronto.
If Villeneuve can start finding more consistent play defensively, then it will not only help the Marlies on their path to the Calder Cup, but could be a factor for the Maple Leafs defensive group too.
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