Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs may want to utilize key prospect Jacob Quillan before this season ends after his fantastic season with the Toronto Marlies so far.
With the Toronto Maple Leafs potential sell-off, the Leafs could begin the process of bringing their rookies into the main lineup, starting with Jacob Quillan.
Quillan, 24, has already begun pushing his way into contending for a spot, having appeared in four games for the Leafs this season for a team that under Craig Berube and Brad Treliving has focused more on veteran trust over giving the youth their chances.
One of the Leafs more NHL-ready prospects, Quillan has been making a steady case for becoming an NHLer as soon as next season, potentially with this season as Toronto considers selling.
Outside of the playoff race with a 27-22-9 record, the Leafs could trade some depth pieces such as Scott Laughton, opening up a door in Toronto’s bottom-six for Quillan to slot in.
The case against calling up Jacob Quillan
Although the Toronto Maple Leafs could use some fresh blood they can insert into the lineup, they may want to be patient with Quillan and not rush him into a losing situation.
While the Leafs look outside of the playoff hunt, Quillan is currently chasing down a playoff spot with the Toronto Marlies, and while the big team comes first, ripping Quillan from a team pushing for the playoffs and to a team starring at a dead end may not be the best choice.
The Marlies are fourth in the Northwest Division with a 25-18-4-4 record, and are pushing to remain in the AHL’s playoff picture.
Quillan is a leader for the Marlies with 31 points in 36 games this season, and is a key part of the team’s bottom-six, a major loss for the roster if he departs.
The case can be made that he can be returned to the AHL if they make the postseason, but Quillan has been a big factor for the Marlies in a tight playoff battle.
There is also a question if Quillan is ready for the NHL full-time. While he has looked good in sheltered minutes, it’s unknown if Quillan will be able to make the most of it just yet.
Even then, for Quillan as someone who projects to peak as a bottom-six center, it may be best for him to wait and build up his offense just a little longer, improving his case for an NHL roster spot next season, although he is deserving at the least for more chances this season.
As the Toronto Maple Leafs season winds down, the question over Jacob Quillan’s future as a Leaf could be answered sooner than expected.
Previously on Hockey Patrol
POLL
50 MINUTES AGO|14 ANSWERS
Maple Leafs prospect Jacob Quillan makes call-up case as a second prospect pushes for a look
Should Jacob Quillan remain with the Leafs full time after the trade deadline?