Toronto Maple Leafs Rookie Forward Set To Play In First NHL Game Against the Ottawa Senators
The Toronto Maple Leafs will get a fresh face in their lineup as forward Jacob Quillan makes his NHL debut in a very crucial Battle of Ontario on Saturday night.
It's been an injury-plagued season for the Maple Leafs, and while the team has done their best to weather the storm, it underlies just how much they've been dropping like flies.
It's led to a variety of different faces, but for one Jacob Quillan, it's a dream come true.
Jacob Quillan Makes NHL Debut During Crucial Battle Of Ontario
Earning the callup not only because of an injury to Max Pacioretty, but the former NCAA College Hockey standout has been on fire as of late with 11 points over his last 14 games with the Toronto Marlies.
He'll line up alongside fellow rookie Fraser Minten as well as veteran Ryan Reaves in quite the contrast in age. Quillan is 22, Minten is 20, and Reaves is 38; so perhaps the veteran can pass on some sage wisdom although don't look to him for offensive advice.
This season for the Marlies, Quillan has six goals and nine assists and provided solid hockey IQ and defense; something needed in the Maple Leafs bottom line.
His collegiate career was not only capped off by helping Quinnipiac to their first title in team history, but he was named the ECAC Best Defensive Forward and was named to their 2nd Team All-Star group.
Head coach Craig Berube was impressed so far with Quillan and hopes for big things for the forward:
It's a great sign that Berube already enjoys his presence, and if Quillan can make an impact either offensively or defensively, it might make Toronto's trade deadline a little bit easier.
Toronto ended up taking a shot on his collegiate rival Matthew Knies and it paid off, and Quillan could be the next breakout forward that follows and hopefully turning a quiet signing into some big noise for the Maple Leafs.
