Jacob Quillan's Leafs debut could quietly make a forward expendable in a future trade
Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
Jacob Quillan showcased his upside for the Toronto Maple Leafs against St. Louis, moving him closer to a permanent NHL spot.
23-year-old Jacob Quillan was a positive for the Toronto Maple Leafs in the team's 3-2 overtime win against the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday.
Although only one game, and Quillan's second career NHL appearance, there were clear positives to draw from as to how they show Quillan's potential.
Recalled from the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League the day prior after Brandon Carlo was placed on injured reserve, Quillan slotted on the Leafs third line at centre with Nicolas Roy out due to injury.
Although Quillan didn't show up on the scoresheet or register a shot on goal, Quillan was a reliable contributor for the Leafs at both ends, and provided good maturity as a rookie.
What Jacob Quillan showed in his Maple Leafs season debut
Jacob Quillan didn't stand out on the statline, but he doesn't project as a high-level forward, so him being able to be a quiet net positive is exactly what Toronto wants to see.
Quillan showed a comfort on the third line, which may be his peak, but shows he's not limited to needing to be on the top-six and has a clear fit as a depth centreman.
Analysts were enamored with Quillan's details, noting his mature physical presence and forechecking engagement, as well as making smart decisions with the puck, even if lacking flash.
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.
Perhaps the most important factor the youngster brought into the lineup, and something most of value, is speed. Toronto has been struggling to be a fast-footed team and Quillan helped the Leafs in that area.
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.
How a cheap, reliable quillan changes the Leafs' bottom-six and cap puzzle
With Jacob Quillan's comfort in the Leafs lineup, it could allow for the Leafs to move on from one of their depth forwards and use it to add to the roster, while still feeling comfortable with their bottom-six.
If Quillan can be an everyday player for the Leafs, it could allow for a safety net if the team wants to explore trading depth forwards, with Quillan a safe roster alternative if so.
With forwards such as Max Domi at $3.75M and Matias Maccelli at $3.43M, there's in theory potential for the Leafs to shed cap space in a deal, while having Quillan able to fill said hole if needed.
As well, Quillan could end up a short-term bargain option for Toronto with his rookie contract in effect, and even in the future as a potential depth forward still bringing value if re-signed with a bottom-six term.
A lot of Quillan's game was profiled back in August in which for Hockey Patrol describing Quillan, mentioned how he could find himself in a bottom-six role, while noting the financial benefits of him on the roster.
Leafs head coach Craig Berube is already a fan of Quillan, calling him a fast, powerful forward, and it's a style of play Toronto could use in their lineup right now.
Quillan could turn Leafs depth into a trade chip for needed help
The Toronto Maple Leafs have a pathway to bring Jacob Quillan into the lineup for some much needed energy and speed, and move some players out.
Domi and Maccelli make for potential departures in a financial sense, with Domi having played at centre due to injuries, a more natural centreman such as Quillan could be more suited down the middle.
Depth options such as Steven Lorentz and Scott Laughton could also be explored as potential moves to give Quillan a place in the lineup on the fourth line.
Although the Leafs haven't indicated openly that they're in line to make trades, if they were to, they have a clear solution already in the case of trading a forward.
If Quillan doesn't make the Leafs this season, he will likely be in contention next season to fight for a spot, and this time potentially do so out of training camp.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have a player in Jacob Quillan who has shown promise early in his pro career, and while the team would be wise not to rush him, if Toronto begins looking at moves with their forward group, it could give Quillan a real opportunity at securing a place in the Leafs lineup.
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