Tavares just reached the 20-goal mark for the 15th time in his NHL career. Does the Leafs center get enough credit for his ability to score? The Toronto Maple Leafs have recalled Jacob Quillan from the Toronto Marlies. The 22-year-old forward was called up to join the team on Wednesday ahead of Toronto's morning skate before their game against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Quillan has six goals and nine assists in 35 games with the Marlies this season, but has been hot lately, scoring five points — three of which are goals — in as many games. He's mostly centered AHL Toronto's third line under head coach John Gruden this season. "I really believe that he continues to grow. Like, he's understanding the game's not played all at one speed. He has great speed," Gruden said last week. "To understand how to change gears, and when to attack, he's done a really good job." Berube mentioned that he liked Quillan's game during Maple Leafs training camp in September. "Speed, strength. Very good skater. In camp and games, I thought he had pretty good hockey IQ. Penalty killer-type player, checker. But love his speed and strength," Berube said. "I talked to him this morning about [the call-up]. He's up here because he's played really well down there. He's been a very good player of late and that's why he's up here. If we need him, he's available for us. When guys do well, they get rewarded, they come up to the NHL." Toronto also announced on Wednesday that they'd be placing forward Max Pacioretty on injured reserve, retroactive to Jan. 18. The 36-year-old took a shot off the ear during their game against the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday. Berube said after practice on Tuesday that Pacioretty wouldn't play against the Blue Jackets and is day-to-day. However, on Wednesday morning, Toronto's head coach admitted it could be longer than that. "Probably a little longer (than day-to-day). Yeah, a little longer than day-to-day." With Pacioretty on injured reserve, he will be unavailable to the Leafs for a minimum of seven days to the date of the injury and won't be in Toronto’s lineup through Saturday’s game in Ottawa. The Maple Leafs play the Minnesota Wild in a week. After three years with Quinnipiac University, Toronto signed Quillan to a two-year, entry-level contract on Apr. 1, 2024. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjExNjM5NDEwNTc4NDM0MDI0/googlenews.svg] Stay updated with the most interesting Maple Leafs stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw/sections/CAQqEAgAKgcICjCvqtILMO7F6QMwytvfCA?ceid=CA:en&oc=3] to never miss a story.
