When the Kraken signed forward Nathan Villeneuve to an entry-level deal on April 8th, they locked up one of their unofficial top three prospects; a list we’ll have for you early next week.
Spoiler alert: one of the other two is Jacob Melanson.
Villeneuve, who turns 19 in three days, was the 2nd-round, 63rd-overall pick for the Kraken at last summer’s NHL Draft. Since then he’s posted 70 points and 120 penalty minutes in 57 regular season games and added four goals and an assist over four playoff games.
His Sudbury Wolves were swept in the first round of the Ontario Hockey League playoffs by the Kingston Frontenacs 4-game-to-0.
The lefty center can play the wing and brings a combination of size, scoring and grit.
It’s the latter quality that has the Kraken brass excited. Villeneuve is the type of player who can help establish your team’s identity; a club that’s a pain in the ass to play against.
Villeneuve likes to get under people’s skin. He’ll also drop the mitts to defend himself and his teammates. The fact that he could top out as a middle six NHL forward – a 2nd or 3rd liner – doesn’t hurt his prospects.
The 6-foot, 195-pound Ottawa native brings a strong, physical defensive game to the ice, including the ability to counter-attack quickly.
Already somewhat of a man-among-boys with his intensity, Villeneuve will only continue to get stronger.
He’ll also continue maturing. He learned a valuable off-ice lesson in March of 2024 for essentially chattering about a “bounty” on an opponent on social media following an OHL game. The result was a setback.
“As a result of contravening the League’s Social Media Policy, Commissioner David Branch has announced that Wolves player Nathan Villeneuve has been assessed a 15-game suspension, while Wolves player Evan Konyen has been assessed a 10-game suspension, both effective immediately.”
Fortunately, although inappropriate, the posts were purely hockey related. The player showed remorse and accepted his punishment. It didn’t affect his draft status.
Villeneuve will bring a fresh, gritty approach to Kraken Development Camp this summer.
