Seattle Kraken prospect Nathan Villeneuve was one of the standout performers at the 2024 NHL Rookie Faceoff and has carried that into training camp and preseason.
The Kraken selected the 18-year-old centre with the 63rd overall pick in the 2024 draft after he scored 23 goals and 50 points in 57 games with the Sudbury Wolves in the OHL. His numbers weren’t the most eye-catching compared to other prospects but his ability to play lockdown defence, physically and a fast brand of hockey was intriguing enough for the Kraken to select him in the second round.
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Listed at 5’11, 194 lbs, Villeneuve has built up muscle and weight faster than most prospects his age have. This has allowed him to come into rookie and training camp more prepared than other prospects and he showed his all-around game throughout the two contests at the Rookie Faceoff. In the first game against the Colorado Avalanche, he recorded an assist and three shots on goal but his performance against the Vegas Golden Knights in the second game was even better.
He scored a short-handed goal that kickstarted the Kraken’s attempt at a comeback and also dropped the gloves with Daniil Chayka prior to his goal. Chayka is a 21-year-old, 6’3 defender that Villeneuve went pound for pound with.
Pretty good tilt here between Seattle’s Nathan Villeneuve and Vegas’ Daniil Chayka, moments after the #Seakraken fall to a two-goal deficit
A little over a period and a half to go in the Kraken’s second and final game of the rookie faceoff pic.twitter.com/MwgdmQmNs1
— Allyson Ballard (@strainsovhorror) September 15, 2024
The Kraken coaching staff clearly took notice of his performances and was inserted in their lineup for their first preseason game against the Calgary Flames. The team struggled but Villeneuve once again found himself on the scoresheet. In just 12:12 of ice time, the Ottawa, Ontario native recorded a goal, five shots on target and three hits.
The Kraken completed their first wave of cuts on Monday sending 10 prospects back to their respective junior teams. Villeneuve wasn’t a part of the list and is the only 2024 draft pick besides Berkly Catton to not be sent back. It isn’t a coincidence and HC Dan Bylsma had high praise for Villeneuve’s performance.
“I thought Villeneuve clearly made a statement in this game,” said Bylsma. “Not every shift, but he had an impact on the game that was evident.”
Villeneuve will be sent back at some point during training camp but it’s telling that the Kraken would like to see him in at least one more preseason game. It’s valuable experience and he can use it to continue to build and develop his game.
“It’s kind of a dream come true as a little kid,” said Villeneuve. “Scoring that goal was just the bonus for me. I was out there trying to play my own game. Obviously, it sucks that we lost. It was an honor to be able to play in this preseason game … I’m someone who hates losing. If it’s preseason, I still hate it. I always want to be the type of player to win.”
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