Leafs prospect William Belle says he’s working to become Tom Wilson-type of player

It’s safe to say that Day 2 of the this year’s entry draft has been much more eventful for the Toronto Maple Leafs, who were forced to sit on the sidelines through Round 1. And with their first of their two fifth-round picks on Saturday, they grabbed William Belle, an 18-year-old forward from the United States National Team Development Program.

Belle had 16 points with the USNTDP this past season, including 10 points in 28 games in the USHL. Speaking to media via Zoom after he was drafted, Belle shared how excited he is to get a chance of donning the blue and white sweater.

“I didn’t really watch the draft, I felt that it would stress me out too much, and then my phone started blowing up,” Belle said. “When I heard it was the Maple Leafs, I was pumped. Great organization, can’t wait to get started, and I just thank them for this opportunity.”

At 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds, the young winger describes his style of play in simple terms, but teased the physicality he can bring.

“My game it’s simple, it’s north, south, fast 200-foot hockey. Forechecking, backchecking, playing physical,” Belle said. “A player right now that I play a lot like would be Miles Wood, but somebody I think I could turn into would be a Tom Wilson type of player.”

As the Leafs continue to work on becoming a tougher team to play, they’ve been looking to bring in more guys who contribute just that. The Tom Wilson comparison in particular will stand out to fans in Toronto who’ve wanted see that kind of edge from their team every spring, and Belle is confident he can bring it in the future.

“Just the power forward hockey that he can play, the simplicity of it,” Belle said, expanding on the Wilson comparison. “Just the physicality and that edge he has to him, the meanness. I feel like I can bring that.”

A later pick in the draft, it’s likely a few years before we see Belle play his way to a major role on this team, especially on a Cup-chasing roster. Nevertheless, it’s clear he’s excited, energetic, and hungry to bring the boom to Toronto as soon as he can.