The Maple Leafs may be overlooking a defense option already in their system

Toronto has been dealt with injury troubles on defense, most recently the loss of Chris Tanev, and neither Philippe Myers nor Dakota Mermis has locked down the spot in Tanev's absence.

Toronto has a player in William Villeneuve who could both be an option for the roster in Tanev's absence, as well as a possible NHLer.

Despite this, Villeneuve has not seen an NHL game this season, or at all, but the Leafs recent losses on defense and a strong season so far from Villeneuve raises the question of whether he could earn his first NHL look.

William Villeneuve is a right-handed defenseman in his fourth season with the Toronto Marlies, and consistently has been a top-four defenseman with the team.

Villeneuve has a goal and seven points in 12 games for the Marlies this season, tied for first among Marlies defensemen in points.

Despite showcasing the ability to perform over the last few seasons, Villeneuve has not appeared for Toronto this season, and with a hole on the right side, Villeneuve hasn't been recalled despite the need.

Instead, Toronto has looked to other options so far to fill the loss of Chris Tanev, with 31-year-old veteran Dakota Mermis brought up instead.

In terms of upside, Villeneuve has a stronger potential and his play this season has shown that he has potential NHL value, but hasn't been provided the opportunity with the big club.

William Villeneuve is being discussed as a potential call-up option to give the youngster a chance, but that opportunity doesn't seem to be coming just yet.

According to a Leafs source, Villeneuve is not currently expected to be the next call-up.

Treliving has emphasized evaluating players he has added, while other prospects drafted under Dubas remain in different stages of development.

Two Dubas picks in Topi Niemela and Roni Hirvonen were not options considered by Treliving for a call-up, with both currently in Europe.

Defensemen who have been called up instead, Philippe Myers and Dakota Mermis, were brought in under Treliving as GM, and Simon Benoit remains in the lineup, and there has been no indication the team plans to take him out; being a believer in the defenseman.

Other prospects who were drafted under Dubas, Fraser Minten and Nikita Grebenkin, were traded away last season, although said source stressed that both had been in the Leafs plans had they not been dealt.

The Toronto Maple Leafs don't have a plan to bring up William Villeneuve just yet, unless injuries open the door to a scenario where his recall becomes more likely.