The Toronto Maple Leafs came into this season with high expectations, but their defensive play has been a glaring weak spot-and at the heart of that issue is their inability to consistently move the puck out of their own zone.
This isn’t a brand-new problem. Last season, the Leafs managed to paper over those cracks with a structured system that held up-until it didn’t.
When the Florida Panthers exposed that vulnerability in the second round of the playoffs, it became clear the Leafs had some foundational work to do on the back end. Fast forward to now, and the issue has only grown more urgent.
Toronto sits near the bottom of the NHL standings, and a big part of that is their blue line’s continued struggle to transition the puck up ice.
The challenge? The team’s current defensive system doesn’t seem to fit the personnel.
Even when the roster is at full strength, there’s a noticeable lack of fluid puck movers on the back end. The Leafs are asking their defensemen to play a style that demands quick, smart breakouts-but the pieces just aren’t there to execute it consistently.
And unless that changes, the results likely won’t either.
But here’s where things get interesting: the solution might already be in-house.
William Villeneuve is quietly making a compelling case down the road with the Toronto Marlies. The 23-year-old right-shot defenseman has been the Marlies’ most productive blueliner this season, building off the momentum he created last year.
Through 20 games, he’s logged 12 points (two goals, 10 assists) and has become a fixture on the top pairing. If he keeps this pace, he’s on track to shatter his previous career high of 40 points.
What makes Villeneuve stand out isn’t just the numbers-it’s how he gets them. His hockey IQ is evident in the way he reads the ice, consistently finding the right outlet to spark a breakout or generate a rush chance.
He’s a smooth skater who isn’t afraid to jump into the play, creating space for his teammates and helping to drive offense from the back end. That blend of vision, mobility, and poise under pressure is exactly what the Leafs’ defense has been missing.
Now, offense alone won’t earn you a permanent spot in an NHL lineup-especially not under a coach like Craig Berube, who demands defensive responsibility. But Villeneuve has shown real growth in that area, too.
He’s not a punishing physical presence, but he plays within structure, uses his skating to recover when needed, and positions himself well to disrupt plays and force turnovers. At 6’2” and 183 pounds, he’s got the size to hang at the NHL level, and he’s added a bit more edge to his game over time.
This isn’t just about potential anymore. Villeneuve has climbed the organizational depth chart through steady development and consistent performance.
The Leafs clearly see something in him-they handed him a one-year extension this offseason as a nod to his progress. So why hasn’t he gotten a look yet?
That’s the frustrating part. With the team struggling to move the puck and options like Philippe Myers continuing to underperform, it feels like the perfect time to give Villeneuve a shot.
Unlike a trade, calling him up doesn’t cost the Leafs anything but a roster spot. And in a season where the team’s trade assets are limited, finding internal solutions is more important than ever.
We’ve already seen the impact of giving young players a chance. Easton Cowan and Jacob Quillan both stepped in recently and held their own.
Villeneuve deserves the same opportunity. No one’s expecting him to come up and transform the team overnight, but it’s hard to argue he wouldn’t be an upgrade over what they’re currently rolling out.
Even a brief stint-paired with someone like Simon Benoit in sheltered minutes-would give the Leafs a chance to evaluate him in real NHL action. It’s a low-risk move with potential upside, and frankly, it beats watching the same defensive breakdowns night after night.
The Leafs need to start answering some questions about their blue line. William Villeneuve might not be the long-term fix, but he’s earned the right to show whether he can be part of the solution.