Nathan Villeneuve – 2024 NHL Draft Prospect Profile – Hockey Writers – NHL Draft Entry

Admin May 26, 2024

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Nathan Villeneuve

2023-24 Team: Sudbury Wolves (OHL)
Date of birth: April 13, 2006
Place of Birth: Ottawa, ON, CAN
Ht: 6-foot Wt: 190 pounds
Shots: Left
Position: Center
NHL Draft Eligibility: Eligibility for the first year of 2024

Levels

As a player who has found himself up and down in the Sudbury Wolves lineup this season, Nathan Villeneuve has shown that he has the ability to play any role his coaches ask of him. What has helped him do that is just his strong hockey IQ, along with the high motor and strength he shows at both ends of the ice, and his willingness to throw his weight around and be a physical force when he needs to be as well.

Nathan Villeneuve, Sudbury Wolves (Terry Wilson / OHL Photos)

In an attacking position, he uses his strong shot and playmaking skills to not only help himself, but also his teammates to find opportunities in the net. His strong offensive play as a shooter and solid passer was evident as he finished the regular season with 23 goals and 27 assists. Where his offensive game lacks at times is his swing. He seems to have put in the work to improve it, but his first few steps and speed held him back a bit. Even if it looks like a “fall”, Villeneuve skates well to kneel and do a variety of things with the puck in his possession.

Related: THW Draft Guide 2024

Defensively, Villeneuve’s hockey IQ and vision are on display. It has helped him better position himself to break up plays in his own zone or take away any opportunity his opponent has before they see it develop. This ultimately helped him get more ice time on the Wolves’ penalty kill as the season progressed and serves as a potential spot for him at some point in his professional career.

One red flag NHL teams may have in Villeneuve is the level of maturity he has shown this season. On the ice he has shown maturity issues, getting involved in tackles and games behind the referee more than they would have liked. Off the ice, he ran into some trouble with the Ontario Hockey League, being handed a 15-game suspension for violating the social media policy.

Some THW Draft profiles

Nathan Villeneuve – NHL Draft Projection

Villeneuve has the skill and mentality to be a player who won’t hear his name in the first few rounds of this June’s draft. But with the decline and other things he is dealing with, there is a good chance that he will be selected in the third or fourth round. If the organization feels they can work with him on a few things and help improve his game further, the third round seems like the place to put him right now.

Measurements

“Villeneuve is a striker who likes high power, and a body that does many things well. His energy and willingness to use his practical tools to his advantage is evident. He sees the game well, and is able to use his body to get past his opponents to find open ice and win loose pucks on a regular basis.” – Austin Broad, FCHockey

“Villeneuve shows admirable drive and strong work ethic. He plays an aggressive, physical game, fighting hard on opposing defenses and boards while driving hard to the net without the puck.” – Dominic Tiano, OHLWriters

Power

A solid shot in the offensive zone
His hockey IQ and smarts help on both ends of the ice
He is willing to use his body in the physical aspect of the game and uses it to protect the puck from opponents
High power and type of player car that can play up and down the lineup as needed
A powerful penalty killer due to his defensive play

Under Construction- Improvements To Be Made

Although his skating has improved slightly throughout the season, it is still a work in progress and will need to be worked on moving forward.
Problems growing in and out of the snow

NHL Power

Villeneuve has the skill and physical stature to end up as a middle to bottom six player in the NHL at some point in his career. If he can work on his areas of development, he should be able to work his way into the middle six guy. Being a special teams specialist on the penalty kill is certainly within reach for him as well.

Risk Reward Analysis

Risk: 4/5 Reward: 4/5

The Power of Fantasy Hockey

Offense: 6/10 Defense: 7/10