Wanna blog? Start your own hockey blog with My HockeyBuzz. Register for free today!
 

Leafs open pre-season vs. Canadiens, sign prospect Villeneuve

September 25, 2021, 5:24 PM ET [224 Comments]
Mike Augello
Toronto Maple Leafs Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
Be sure to like HockeyBuzz on facebook!

For the latest Leafs updates or on Twitter

The Toronto Maple Leafs open their six game exhibition schedule where their playoff run ended four months ago, at Scotiabank Arena against the archrival Montreal Canadiens. The contest has nearly nothing on the line compared to the deciding game of the first round series, but marks the first of nine straight games against their Atlantic Division rivals in the Eastern time zone.



The contest marks the first time team captain John Tavares will play since being knocked out of Game 1 of the playoffs by Corey Perry.

Based on the line combinations used at Ford Performance Centre on Friday, Tavares will likely skate between new addition Michael Bunting and tryout candidate Josh Ho-Sang, while usual linemate William Nylander skated with Alex Kerfoot and Ilya Mikheyev.

Michael Hutchinson will be the likely starter, with Ian Scott potentially splitting duty.

*******

The Toronto Maple Leafs announced on Saturday the signing of defenseman William Villeneuve to a three-year entry-level contract. The 19-year-old scored 20 points (3 goal, 17 assists) in 33 games for the QMJHL’s Saint John Sea Dogs last season.



The Sherbrooke, Quebec native was selected in the fourth round (122nd overall) in 2020 after scoring with 58 points (9 goals, 49 assists) in 64 games and being nominated for the league’s top blueliner of the year.



The 6’1”, 180 lb. defenseman has decent skills, but it is uncertain whether he can rise to the level of being an effective NHL offensive defenseman. Villeneuve has good creativity, is a excellent passer and elusiveness, but an average shot from the point.


*******







*******If you are interested in sponsorship or advertising your business in the Greater Toronto / Southern Ontario area on this column, please send a message for more information by clicking on the “Contact” button at the top of the page.*******
Join the Discussion: » 224 Comments » Post New Comment
More from Mike Augello
» Matthews Game-Time Decision; 2023 Draftees Update; Leafs vs. Capitals
» Leafs Frustrated And Immature In Loss To Devils
» Practicing Load Management Down The Stretch; Leafs vs. Devils
» Woll Wonderful In Loss To Canes; Keefe Downplaying Samsonov Injury
» Podcast Sunday – Off The Post Radio