Villeneuve's Upside Despite Size

0:00From the Daily News Now Network, this is NHL News Today. Subscribe to keep up with every headline, every game. Xavier Vilnov stands out as a polarizing prospect for the 2026 NHL draft. At 5 foot 11 and 157 pounds, he is among the smallest top defensive prospects in recent years. What he lacks in size, he makes up for with dynamic offensive skills in the Quebec Maritime's Junior Hockey League. His production remains impressive, despite the league's high-scoring reputation. Last season, he ranked second among defensemen with 1.02 points per game. This year, he sits third at 1.03, with six goals and 30 assists over 35 games. Scouts rave about his elite speed, edgework, puck handling, and vision, projecting him as a high-end playmaker who could score plenty in the pros. He draws frequent comparisons to Montreal Canadian's defensemen, Lane Hudson, a point per game talent from his own draft class. Vilnov excels at creating separation on the blue line, with decks and stretch passes,

1:03while carrying the puck effectively. Defensively, he pressures opponents, wins, lose pucks, and holds his own without relying on physicality thanks to his smarts and skating. He has not played since January 4th due to injury, and his recent form has cooled with just one multi-point game since December. Still, his top-pairing ceiling makes him a likely first-round pick, possibly in the teens, for teens chasing upside. D&N is brought to you by our sponsor. Head in, sound on, lights out, that is the routine, S-O-L-I-SoliPillow.com.