Maple Leafs prospect checkpoint: How did William Belle get through the five months of 2025-2026?

Belle was selected by the Leafs from the USA Hockey National Team Development Program and committed to play college hockey at the University of Notre Dame this season. So far this year, the 19-year-old has yet to score a goal, tallying just three assists in 27 games with Notre Dame.

Still, the physical playing style he brings remains promising for his ability to play a deep role. According to Elite Prospects, he is now listed at 6-foot-4 and 236 pounds, a significant gain from the 225 pounds he weighed nearly eight months ago. That kind of size would easily make him the biggest player on the Leafs roster right now, and while he’s still a long way from an NHL career, it’s worth noting when considering future plans.

“My game is simple. It’s north-south, fast, 60 yard hockey. Forechecking, backchecking, physical play,” Belle said. “A player I play a lot like now is Miles Wood, but someone I think I could become would be a Tom Wilson-type player.”

At the same time, you still want to count on getting a certain level of production from your depth players. What makes Tom Wilson unique is his ability to be a tough, tough guy, but also get on the scoresheet. As a young player, Belle has already shown a lot of growth physically, but he will also have to show that offensively to take the next step.

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