Why Jacob Quillan Deserves a Real Shot with the Maple Leafs
With just under 30 games left in the regular season, the Toronto Maple Leafs find themselves in a tough spot-well outside the playoff picture and staring down a March 6 trade deadline that could shift the organization’s trajectory. If the front office leans toward selling, one name that should be front and center in the conversation is Jacob Quillan.
Quillan isn’t just another prospect waiting in the wings. He’s earned his stripes with the Marlies this season, putting up 27 points (eight goals, 19 assists) in 28 AHL games.
That’s the kind of production that demands attention. Despite making four appearances with the Leafs this year, he’s yet to register a point-but it’s hard to make an impact when the opportunities are limited and inconsistent.
What Quillan brings to the table is exactly what Toronto could use more of right now: a responsible two-way center with a scoring touch and a relentless work ethic. He’s not flashy, but he’s effective.
The kind of player who makes the right reads, wins puck battles, and gives you honest minutes every shift. And while he may not have been drafted, the Leafs saw enough potential to sign him out of Quinnipiac University in April 2024, where he had a standout NCAA career.
This isn’t just about rewarding a strong AHL season-it’s about planning ahead. If the Leafs are heading into a transitional phase, they’ll need to fill roster spots internally, and Quillan is a prime candidate for a bottom-six role as early as next season. He’s already shown he can handle the pace and physicality of the pro game, and the next step is giving him consistent NHL reps to see how his game translates at the top level.
Head coach Craig Berube seems to be on board. He’s spoken highly of Quillan’s skating and work ethic, calling him a “real strong skater” and someone who “works extremely hard.” Berube didn’t mince words-he sees Quillan as a future NHL player, and it’s those traits, the speed and drive, that give him a shot to stick long-term.
As the trade deadline approaches, the Leafs have a real opportunity to start evaluating their future. That means giving players like Quillan more meaningful ice time-not just spot duty, but real chances to show what they can do in different situations and against top competition. Whether it’s a third-line look or penalty-kill minutes, Quillan needs to be part of the plan moving forward.
There’s no sugarcoating it: this season hasn’t gone the way Toronto hoped. But that doesn’t mean it has to be wasted.
These final games can be a launching pad for next year, and giving Quillan a genuine shot in the lineup is a smart, forward-thinking move. He’s earned it.
Now it’s time to see what he can do with it.