'Just A Dream Come True': Why Jacob Quillan Chose the Maple Leafs and the Next Steps in his Pro Career
Quillan joined the Marlies for practice on Friday, four days after signing a future entry-level contract with Toronto.
When Jacob Quillan signed with the Maple Leafs, he took another step in his hockey career and made one of his dreams a reality.
The 22-year-old and Quinnipiac University fell to Boston College 5-4 in overtime on Sunday, ending Quillan's college hockey career. Once that happened, he knew the next step was upon him.
"It has a rich tradition, culture. Played three years there. Won a National Championship," Quillan said on Friday of Quinnipiac, nearly a week after signing a future two-year, entry-level deal with the Maple Leafs.
"We had a tough end to the season on Sunday losing to Boston College. But I mean, I loved my time there."
Quillan added that his game improved a lot while at Quinnipiac and it prepared him "pretty well" for the next step, which right now is playing in the AHL with the Marlies for the remainder of this season.
"[We'll] see how I adjust in the next couple of weeks. Just looking to prove myself here," he said.
The Maple Leafs have kept an eye on Quillan for quite some time. His massive goal, which won Quinnipiac the National Championship over Matthew Knies and the University of Minnesota last year, likely planted the seed that the forward could be an important player.
The forward said that Maple Leafs management reached out to Quillan and the two sides had a Zoom meeting a few weeks ago. And after Quillan and Quinnipiac fell to Boston on Sunday, he knew the next step was on the horizon.
"We lost to Boston College on Sunday and I think the next day Brad (Treliving) called me and I signed that day," he said.
Quillan agreed to the entry-level contract — which begins next season — on Monday. The following day, he signed a PTO with the Marlies that will get him a taste of pro hockey this season.
The Dartmouth, Nova Scotia native grew up a Maple Leafs fan. He said he vividly remembers those "early mornings" before school as a kid waking up and catching the Maple Leafs' highlights on SportsCenter.
"I watched Toronto growing up my whole life, so it's kind of a dream to sign here," Quillan said. "Management and the staff was all really welcoming and it seemed like they wanted me here. So, I think it was a good fit."
Quillan calls himself a 200-foot player. In 39 games with Quinnipiac this season, he had 17 goals and 29 assists for 46 points. "I'll do anything to help the team win," he added. "Win draws, penalty kill. Just do the little things to put the guy in a better position and help the team win."
Marlies head coach John Gruden confirmed following the team's practice on Friday that Quillan will make his professional debut with the Marlies on Saturday against the Utica Comets.
It's not only a big game the six-foot, 200-pound forward, but also a massive game for Toronto, who's looking to secure a spot in the Calder Cup Playoffs. Bringing in someone like Quillan will add to the mix of key players in the final games of the regular season.
"He's a winner. That helps. He's played in a winning program that understands the importance of winning. And at this time of year, that's what we need," Gruden said on Friday.
"We're going to give him a look just like we give everybody else a look and then we'll go from there. But [Quillan is a] big, strong guy who plays in straight lines. It looks like he has a good knack for the net, so again, we'll see what he's like tomorrow. It'll be exciting."
Quillan is looking forward to making his AHL debut and proving himself too. This is another step; one that's in the organization he grew up cheering for as a child.
"Just a dream come true. But [I'm] just looking forward to the next step and hopefully [I'll] become a Leaf one day."
Related
News from THN.com