Insider reports 'Unicorn D-man' could help Oilers' blueline

One NHL analyst referred to RHD William Villeneuve a 'Unicorn D-Man', in reference to the shortage and rarity of right handed defenseman in the league, and their importance on a contending team's roster.

Twenty-three year old William Villeneuve is currently under contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs, a one-year, 2-way extension, but may not have the opportunity to secure a spot, given Toronto's blueline is set, and if anything, look to add a more-established blueliner.

According to Allan Mitchell of The Athletic Villeneuve is exactly the kind of defenseman Edmonton should target, one that is quite capable of playing the right-side, and who can move the puck to the forwards with ease.

Outside of Evan Bouchard, the Oilers lack a RHD. William has improved considerably in that role, and has the ability to move the puck and generate offense from the back-end.

Not having enough RHD causes a roster instability, and affects he team's overall balance, which can lead to mismatches. In the playoff's, this can be especially problematic, when the margin for error is drastically reduced, as was evidenced in last year's finals with the Panthers.

According to Josh Kloke of The Athletic Villeneuve 'has had three seasons of steady production with the Marlies, with improvement in his breakout creation.

In the last three years with the Toronto Marlies of the AHL, William has recorded 90 points, of which 81 are assists. He clearly has the ability to move the puck to advancing forwards, a key skill from the right-side of the ice, an area Edmonton would do well to address.