Jacob Quillan has his eyes set on the NHL this season.
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The 22-year-old forward was one of the NCAA’s top free agents earlier this spring after winning a National Championship with Quinnipiac University in 2023. He signed a two-year, entry-level deal with Toronto and got into seven games with the Toronto Marlies last season, registering one assist.
After getting a taste of the pro game and seeing what it takes to play at the next level, Quillan believes he’s ready for the opportunity.
“I want to make the Maple Leafs. So, that’s my expectation,” Quillan said on Friday ahead of two games with Toronto’s rookies inside the Bell Centre. “Just looking to improve every day and get better and learn from all the great people in [this organization].”
The forward was a part of the Maple Leafs prospects’ top-six through camp this week, centring a line that featured Brandon Lisowsky, Roni Hirvonen, and Ty Voit all skating through it.
Quillan is from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, and admitted to me while with the Marlies last season that he was an avid Maple Leafs fan growing up. On Saturday, and potentially Sunday, he’ll have the chance to play under the bright lights in Montreal.
“It’s an honor to wear the jersey for sure,” he said. “Such a great organization, so it’s going to be fun to put the sweater on.”
Making the NHL squad out of training camp will be quite the challenge, especially at center, with the likes of Auston Matthews, John Tavares, David Kampf, Pontus Holmberg, Fraser Minten, and potentially, William Nylander in the position.
But Quillan believes in himself and is up for the challenge.
“I mean, it’s a big challenge. But, anywhere you go is going to be a big challenge, so I’m just looking to improve every day and if I get the opportunity, I’m going to try to make the most of it,” he said.
“I think I can bring a 200-foot game and be a guy who wins draws, can penalty kill, and stuff like that. Just bring a complete game.”
The forward could follow the same path as Minten did at training camp last season: Surprise everyone and make the Maple Leafs’ opening night roster. Though he’ll also be going up against the 20-year-old in training camp.
When Marlies head coach…