William Dufour Bio
William Dufour is a Canadian professional ice hockey left winger, currently playing for HC Lada Togliatti of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). Born on January 28, 2002, in Quebec City, Quebec, he was selected in the fifth round, 152nd overall, by the New York Islanders in the 2020 NHL entry draft. Standing 188 centimeters tall and weighing 98 kilograms, Dufour combines size with skill and has steadily built a professional career in North America and abroad.
Dufour developed through four seasons of major junior hockey in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) before turning professional with the Islanders organization. His junior résumé includes a Memorial Cup championship in 2022, and his professional journey has since spanned the National Hockey League (NHL), the American Hockey League (AHL), and the KHL.
Early Life and Background
William Dufour was born on January 28, 2002, in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. Growing up in a region with a deep hockey tradition, he was introduced to the sport at a young age and progressed through local minor hockey programs. Quebec City has long produced skilled forwards, and Dufour followed that development pathway through his teenage years.
His physical profile developed early, and by the time he reached major junior eligibility, he stood as a sizable left winger with a strong shot. That combination of size and offensive instinct helped him earn attention from QMJHL scouts and positioned him as a notable prospect within his draft class.
Dufour was ultimately selected sixth overall in the 2018 QMJHL entry draft by the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies, marking the start of his high-profile junior career. His early selection reflected the potential that evaluators saw in his offensive toolkit and skating ability.
Path to Hockey
Dufour’s major junior journey began with the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies after he was taken sixth overall in the 2018 QMJHL entry draft. On January 6, 2019, he was traded to the Chicoutimi Saguenéens, where he began to establish himself as a regular contributor. His time with Chicoutimi lasted until December 15, 2019, when he was dealt to the Drummondville Voltigeurs.
At Drummondville, Dufour continued to refine his game over parts of two seasons, posting offensive numbers that placed him on the radar of NHL scouts. In June 2021, he was traded to the Saint John Sea Dogs, a move that proved pivotal in his development. With Saint John, he became part of a contending roster and helped the Sea Dogs capture the 2022 Memorial Cup, the championship of Canadian major junior hockey.
His strong play in Saint John coincided with his selection by the New York Islanders in the fifth round, 152nd overall, of the 2020 NHL entry draft. On April 21, 2022, following the Memorial Cup triumph, Dufour signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Islanders, transitioning from junior stardom to the professional ranks.
William Dufour Career
Early Career (2018–2022)
Dufour’s early professional résumé was built primarily in the QMJHL. After being drafted by Rouyn-Noranda, he moved through Chicoutimi and Drummondville before landing in Saint John, where he developed into a top-six forward. His production grew with each stop, and he became a trusted scoring option for the Sea Dogs during their Memorial Cup run in 2022.
The Memorial Cup championship served as the highlight of his junior career and provided momentum heading into his entry-level deal with the Islanders. The Islanders signed him on April 21, 2022, and he began splitting time between the NHL roster and the club’s AHL affiliate as he adjusted to the professional game.
NHL Debut and Islanders Era (2022–2025)
William Dufour made his NHL debut on January 18, 2023, suiting up for the New York Islanders against the Boston Bruins. He recorded one hit and logged 6:48 of ice time in a 4–1 loss, marking his first appearance at the top level of professional hockey. He continued to develop within the Islanders organization, splitting duty between the NHL club and their AHL affiliate over the following seasons.
During the 2024–25 season, approaching the NHL trade deadline, Dufour was dealt by the Islanders, along with Brock Nelson, to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for Calum Ritchie, Oliver Kylington, and conditional first and third-round selections on March 6, 2025. Following the trade, Dufour was assigned directly to the Colorado Eagles of the AHL for the remainder of the season, where he posted one goal and four points across 12 regular-season games.
HC Lada Togliatti Era (2025–Present)
As a pending restricted free agent following the 2024–25 campaign, Dufour was not tendered a qualifying offer by the Colorado Avalanche, which released him to free agency. On July 9, 2025, he opted to pursue a career abroad and agreed to a one-year contract with Russian club HC Lada Togliatti of the Kontinental Hockey League for the 2025–26 season.
The move to the KHL represents Dufour’s first professional stint outside North America. Joining Lada Togliatti provides him an opportunity to play a featured role overseas and continue developing as a top-six forward in a competitive European league.
Driving Style and Strengths
Dufour is recognized as a power forward who uses his 188-centimeter frame and 98-kilogram build to protect the puck along the boards and drive the net. He possesses a heavy shot and has demonstrated a willingness to engage physically, complementing his offensive instincts with responsible two-way play.
Notable Events and Milestones
The defining milestone of Dufour’s career to date is the 2022 Memorial Cup championship won with the Saint John Sea Dogs. His NHL debut on January 18, 2023, against the Boston Bruins marked his arrival at the top level, and his trade to the Colorado Avalanche on March 6, 2025, stands as a key transaction in his professional journey.
William Dufour Career Wins
William Dufour’s most prominent career victory came at the major junior level, when he helped the Saint John Sea Dogs win the 2022 Memorial Cup, the national championship of the Canadian Hockey League. While detailed win totals at the professional level are not fully documented in available sources, his junior résumé and subsequent NHL and AHL appearances mark him as a player accustomed to competing in high-stakes games.
QMJHL and Memorial Cup Highlights
Dufour played four seasons of major junior hockey across the Chicoutimi Saguenéens, Drummondville Voltigeurs, and Saint John Sea Dogs. His most significant accomplishment was winning the 2022 Memorial Cup with Saint John, capping a successful development path that began with his sixth-overall selection in the 2018 QMJHL entry draft by the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies.
Other Performances
Beyond his Memorial Cup triumph, Dufour’s professional performances have included a stint with the Colorado Eagles of the AHL, where he posted one goal and four points across 12 regular-season games during the 2024–25 campaign. His transition to HC Lada Togliatti of the KHL for 2025–26 opens a new chapter in his career.
William Dufour Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information regarding William Dufour’s immediate family and parental background is not available in verified sources.
Personal Life
Verified details about William Dufour’s marital status, spouse, and children are not publicly documented in available sources.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 calendar year has been a period of significant transition for William Dufour. During the 2024–25 NHL season, he was traded by the New York Islanders to the Colorado Avalanche on March 6, 2025, and was assigned to the AHL’s Colorado Eagles, where he posted one goal and four points across 12 regular-season games. Following the season, the Avalanche did not tender him a qualifying offer, making him an unrestricted free agent.
On July 9, 2025, Dufour signed a one-year contract with HC Lada Togliatti of the KHL for the 2025–26 season, choosing to continue his career abroad. The move positions him as a key contributor for Lada Togliatti and offers a chance to expand his offensive role in a top European league.
Looking ahead, Dufour’s 2025–26 campaign with Lada Togliatti will be closely watched as he adapts to the international style of play. His combination of size, shot, and junior pedigree provides a foundation for a productive season, with the potential to attract further NHL interest once his KHL deal concludes.