Craig Berube's encouraging words signal incoming graduation for promising young forward
Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
Craig Berube's new comments signify one Toronto Maple Leafs prospect is headed towards a roster call-up and not just in case of injuries either.
Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube indicated in his new comments that a top prospect is close to the chance of making the NHL.
Berube spoke on Maple Leafs prospect forward Jacob Quillan, currently with the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League, indicating that Quillan is a player slowly on pace to securing a role with the big club.
Recalled from the Marlies along with defenseman Matt Benning following injuries to Dakota Joshua and Chris Tanev, Quillan was brought back up for tonight's game against the New Jersey Devils.
Having played two games for Toronto this season, Craig Berube hinted tonight's game could have a major impact on Quillan's NHL future.
What Craig Berube had to say about Jacob Quillan's potential
Asked about the potential of the 23-year-old Quillan, Craig Berube had a positive outlook for the Leafs forward prospect, and gave his personal indication that he views Quillan as an NHLer in the waiting.
Berube said that he views Quillan as a potential NHLer, and believes that tonight's game will be a test of Quillan's upside, showcasing what could be hints of what he can do at the highest level.
I think he's getting close to being an NHL player and a full-time one with his ability. It's a good opportunity for him tonight. - Craig Berube (via Lance Hornby/Toronto Sun)
Quillan was written about during his debut, in which the report discussed him as a center tailored to excel in a bottom-six depth role, being able to handle faceoffs and play a defensively responsible game, while having some puck moving capabilities.
Quillan wasn't playing as a high producer, but was one of Toronto's more responsible forwards, and that has been what has taken him from an undrafted forward to a prized collegiate free agent and ultimately to the NHL.
With Quillan able to bring speed and defensive poise to the Leafs bottom-six, the Leafs rookie in just his second game may have opened up the ability for Toronto to feel comfortable exploring dealing their depth.
With Quillan able to bring speed and defensive poise to the Leafs bottom-six, the Leafs rookie in just his second game may have opened up the ability for Toronto to feel comfortable exploring dealing their depth.
Craig Berube sees what many have seen in Quillan as a projectable NHL player, and even though there isn't a high upside of an Easton Cowan or Matthew Knies, Quillan could be another young forwards who soon inserts full-time in the Leafs lineup.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 30 | 1282 ANSWERS Craig Berube's encouraging words signal incoming graduation for promising young forward Will Jacob Quillan make the NHL full time? | ||
| Yes | 839 | 65.4 % |
| No | 443 | 34.6 % |
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