The Toronto Maple Leafs select William Belle 137th overall in the 2025 NHL Draft

William Belle player profile

Analyzing the pick

William Belle is a stereotypical Brad Treliving pick. He’s huge, at 6’4″, and he’s got some really nice straight line speed that is always a nice aspect to have with bigger project forwards. He’s not afraid to get into the dirty areas of the ice, and he’s got a suprisingly good motor for a player of his size. The Leafs are betting that there’s a player somewhere in between the size, motor and hands.

It’s still just very brief flashes at this stage, and the rarity with which his on-puck power game shows means that he’s still a ways away. The tape wasn’t fantastic, which is why I had him ranked at 149th, but as far as a toolsy power forward at this stage of the draft, it’s a solid bet that he can learn how to put everything together.

What’s next for Belle

Belle is committed to Notre Dame in the NCAA next year where I think his size and physical maturity will allow him to play in a depth role. It’ll be interesting to see how quickly he can piece together his skillsets, he’s very much a long term developmental pick who’s very much still more of an idea than an actual product.