With the No.137 overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, the Toronto Maple Leafs selected William Belle from the United States National Team Development Program.

Belle is a 6-foot-4 right winger who appeared in 28 games last season with the program, scoring two goals and 10 points. He is a native of Minnetonka, Minnesota, and registered four goals and 12 assists in 55 games for the USNTDP.

At 225 pounds, Belle brings a ton of size to the wing, and is seen as someone who can turn into a physical presence among a bottom six. Greg Moore from the US National Team Development Program states that Belle is a thick power forward, who can be explosive, and isn’t afraid to drive to the net. He’ll be willing to muck it up in the dirty areas of the ice, which for a fifth-round pick is a great trait to have. Belle is known to have a great work ethic, who loves to wear down opposing teams, and is very hard on the forecheck.

Daily Faceoff’s Steven Ellis believes Belle will bring a mean streak to the Maple Leafs’ organization, which is something that’s likely music to the ears of head coach Craig Berube.

The Leafs have long tried to get bigger, stronger, and tougher to play against within their system and Belle brings that, and much more to the table, becoming the latest pick in the organizational depth chart.

The Leafs acquired this extra fifth-rounder in a mid-season trade which saw Connor Dewar and Conor Timmins head to the Penguins in the deal. Timmins has since been moved by Kyle Dubas and the Penguins, landing with the Buffalo Sabres in a trade involving Connor Clifton. The 26-year-old Dewar is a pending restricted free agent.

Toronto selected forward Harry Nansi from the Owen Sound Attack at No.153, and will look to hit a diamond in the rough as day two of the NHL Draft winds down. Earlier in the day, the Maple Leafs selected centre Tinus Luc Koblar at No. 64, then selected forward Tyler Hopkins at No. 86.

Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving has been busy on day two of the NHL Draft, as the team is reportedly discussing a sign-and-trade involving Mitch Marner with the Vegas Golden Knights.