Maple Leafs Officially Lock Down Underrated Blueliner With New Deal

Summer is in full swing, and that means there is still some work to do wit the Maple Leafs' pending RFA's like Dennis Hildeby and William Villeneuve.

Well in the case of the latter, he's back on the squad as he signed a one-year, two-way deal with the Maple Leafs on Tuesday.

Villeneuve was drafted 122nd overall by the team in 2020 and had a very solid year with the Marlies last season, scoring 40 points (4 goals, 36 assists) and looks like he is on the cusp of making the NHL either this year or the next.

The two-way deal means that he will likely be one of the first call-ups for the Maple Leafs, as they can send him back down without having to worry about him needing to clear waivers.

It's a great signing for Brad Treliving not only because it gives him much more solidification with his Marlies back end, but keeps Villeneuve in the system and a perfect insurance policy for injuries or if the team wants to move on from their veterans.

But he also might hold the key to bringing in a piece for Toronto via the trade market. He's got the skills to play on a lesser team now in the NHL and the Leafs have a logjam on defense.

So taking a look at a team like the Penguins, he could slot in as a third-pairing defenseman; stepping in for Matt Grzylcek and would be part of a package that could bring someone like Bryan Rust or Rickard Rakell to the Maple Leafs.

Villeneuve, if he stays with the team, has a lot of offensive upside and has a true shot at being a solid PP2 contributor. He makes a great first pass, is calm under pressure, isn't afraid to take a shot, and while his defensive work isn't impeccable; he's grown a lot there.

He very well could get a look in the preseason as well, and might be able to translate a hot start with the Marlies into an early season call-up.

So it's time for Villeneuve to earn an even bigger deal next season, and potentially a spot in the Maple Leafs six blueliners.