"Villeneuve has been juggled between the AHL and the NHL a couple of times this year but has yet to appear in his first NHL game. His offensive production has taken a step back this season, down from 40 points in 55 games a year ago, but it's not due to poor play."
"While it's unclear if Villeneuve will make his NHL debut against the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday night, his odds have certainly increased with the injury to Oliver Ekman-Larsson against the San Jose Sharks."
"Ekman-Larsson typically plays on the right side and has been their top driver of offence this season, so it makes sense for Villeneuve to slide into a similar role."
Villeneuve, drafted by the Maple Leafs in 2020, has become the Marlies' all-time leader in assists by a defenceman. He has 28 points in 58 games this season, a decrease from last year's 40 points. His role has shifted to focus on developing a two-way game rather than solely offensive production. With Ekman-Larsson injured, Villeneuve's chances of making his NHL debut have increased, especially as the team seeks to evaluate his potential in a risk-free situation after playoff elimination.
Read at TheLeafsNation
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