With the playoffs quickly approaching, the Toronto Maple Leafs will be aiming to capture their first Stanley Cup since 1967. They gained some grit and defensive depth to their team at the 2024 Trade Deadline, but they also added Joel Edmundson, Connor Dewar, and Ilya Lyubushkin to show that they were prepared to go all in for the postseason.
Even though they play in a competitive Eastern Conference and face many obstacles, they have put in enough effort and have a solid enough roster to have a shot at going far this season. Even if they don’t currently intend to concentrate on the offseason, they signed a collegiate free agent.
The 22-year-old forward from Quinnipiac University in the NCAA, Jacob Quillan, has signed with the Maple Leafs, the team announced today. He has appeared in two American Hockey League (AHL) games with the Toronto Marlies since signing with the Maple Leafs organisation, and although not having any points, he appears to be settling in nicely at the professional level. Although he still has a few seasons to go before he can try to make the move to the NHL, he has the ability to develop into a dangerous middle-six forward when the time comes. Let’s quickly review Quillan, the most recent addition to the Maple Leaf roster.
Quillan, who hails from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, is 6 feet tall and weighs 196 pounds. He began to draw attention during the 2020-21 season when he played in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) with the Penticton Vees, where he tallied 13 goals and 14 assists for a total of 27 points in 20 games. After joining Quinnipiac in the 2021-22 season, he spent three seasons there. In his first season, he notched two goals and seven assists in 36 games. His offensive output surged in the 2022-23 season, as he scored 19 goals and contributed 19 assists for 38 points in 41 games. In the current NCAA season, Quillan served as an alternate captain for Quinnipiac and accumulated an impressive 46 points, comprising 17 goals and 29 assists in 39 games. His exceptional performance led to NHL interest, and he ultimately opted to join the Maple Leafs. Quillan’s proficiency in the face-off dot, coupled with his potent offensive skills, earned him accolades. In addition to his impressive offensive numbers, his strong defensive game is evident on a nightly basis. He is consistently reliable in killing penalties and blocking shots in the defensive end. Given his strong defensive abilities, he is expected to have a shot at the big leagues as early as the 2024-25 season. Quillan will conclude the season with the Marlies on an amateur tryout, providing an opportunity to gain ample ice time and refine the finer aspects of his game. As an undrafted free agent, Quillan’s path to the NHL was longer than that of many prospects. His ability to drive to the net, combined with his other skills, has finally granted him the opportunity he has been pursuing since childhood. If he continues to progress as he has over the past few seasons, he will undoubtedly play a significant role in the Maple Leafs’ future. While the AHL and NHL are distinct leagues, some time spent in the minors will enable Quillan to experiment with new strategies and hone his skills while climbing the ranks. If he can carry over his offensive prowess and maintain strong defensive play at the professional level, he will be a formidable opponent for years to come.
