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New Jersey Devils: 5 Toronto Maple Leafs Prospect To Target

By Nick Villano

Timothy Liljegren #37 of the Toronto Maple Leafs during an NHL pre-season game at Scotiabank Arena on September 21, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Sabres 5-3. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
Timothy Liljegren #37 of the Toronto Maple Leafs during an NHL pre-season game at Scotiabank Arena on September 21, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Sabres 5-3. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /
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Kyle Dubas of the Toronto Maple Leafs (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

William Villeneuve

The Devils also need to know some of the prospects down the list for the Maple Leafs. Maybe the Leafs want a depth defenseman like Dmitry Kulikov or Sami Vatanen? Also, they could ask about Nikita Gusev, who likely fits the Maple Leafs’ needs a lot more than one might think. So, let’s look at some of their lesser-known defensemen.

There are some names that could work like Topi Niemelä, but the Leafs probably value him higher than the Devils might. Mac Hollowell has been decent for the Toronto Marlies, but at 22, there’s not much growth left and he is on the smaller side. The Devils and Leafs can agree on a value for William Villeneuve.

The 2020 4th-round pick is playing a much more defensive game this season after showing an ability to score next to Jérémie Poirier last season. He has an infinite amount of upside as a defenseman, even if it might take him a while to see it at an NHL level. He’s someone who is going to make the right plays if he’s put in a good situation. If the Devils can get Villeneuve as either a throw into a Palmieri trade or someone in another trade, the Devils would be winners.

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He’s someone who the Devils can pencil in on the right side while they build up their other young defensemen. If he takes a step to Binghamton last season, with more experience for a young squad, he is going to really help them take the next step forward.

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