William Villeneuve is a healthy scratch as the Maple Leafs kill the excitement of his emergency call-up
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs aren't playing rookie William Villeneuve against the Los Angeles Kings, despite Oliver Ekman-Larsson out.
William Villeneuve has been made a healthy scratch by the Toronto Maple Leafs, having been recalled earlier today from the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League.
Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube said that Villeneuve will be sitting in the press box against Los Angeles on Saturday, an additional backup with Oliver Ekman-Larsson sidelined.
Ekman-Larsson was injured in Thursday's game against the San Jose Sharks, having suffered a lower-body injury that saw him exit and not return.
It's unknown if Villeneuve will play for Toronto, or if he will return back to the AHL before the Leafs next game Wednesday against the Washington Capitals.
Berube called it an emergency call-up and then made Villeneuve watch Myers and Stecher play instead
With Ekman-Larsson out, Troy Stecher returns to the Leafs lineup, with Philippe Myers projected to play on the first pairing alongside Morgan Rielly against the Kings.
Myers, 29, has appeared in 36 games this season for Toronto with two points on the year. Myers has struggled on offense this season, but moved up onto the top line with OEL out.
It is a confusing move with Ekman-Larsson on the sidelines, not going with Villeneuve, who has played on the power play for the Marlies, and leads the team's offense.
Villeneuve, 24, leads all Marlies defenseman with 28 points in 58 games this season in the AHL, having led the team in points the last two seasons.
The Maple Leafs called up Villeneuve and crushed his moment on the same day
The Toronto Maple Leafs may not give William Villeneuve his NHL debut, or he may need to wait until Wednesday for his chance.
Even more of a question mark is the Marlies status. The team is in a playoff chase and have just a few games left to secure a postseason berth, with Villeneuve key to the Marlies hunt.
Over the last four seasons, Villeneuve has been an important part of the Marlies roster, although only having played two career postseason games.
After four years, William Villeneuve may need to wait a few more days for his long awaited NHL debut, if he gets to that chance at all this season.
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