Jacob Quillan’s Leafs stint just took a turn as a familiar face returns
Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs will get William Nylander back in the lineup on Saturday night however it comes at the expense of rookie Jacob Quillan.
Looking ahead to Saturday's game agains the Vancouver Canucks, the Maple Leafs only really have one goal in mind -- win by any means. They are mired in a six game losing streak and one more loss could set them on a course that no one anticipated.
However one bit of good news that should bring at least a bit of positivity is the return of William Nylander, who was expected to play against the Canucks and all signs pointed to him hopefully being the solution to the team's woes.
Quillan down yet again as Nylander makes his return to Maple Leafs lineup
Though it comes at the expense of Jacob Quillan, who barely got any playing time since Nylander's injury, as the team has demoted him back to the Toronto Marlies (AHL) once again to make room for the returning superstar:
It's a decision that will please some and frustrate others, as many think Quillan is ready to take the next step and he would be a replacement over Calle Jarnkrok however the Maple Leafs desperately need Nylander back in the fold.
Nylander has 48 points in 37 games (17 goals, 31 assists) which still leads the team even though he hasn't played since January 15th -- over two weeks ago.
Quillan has nothing left to prove as his demotion raises eyebrows
For the Maple Leafs, they should really figure out what to do with Quillan though. This is the same problem they had with Nick Robertson previously and for a guy who was so good in the AHL he deserves a shot.
Quillan has 27 points in 28 games (8 goals, 19 assists) with the Marlies while also providing two way-play and giving the Marlies help both on the power-play and penalty kill.
Toronto running Calle Jarnkrok into the ground during a miserable season makes no sense, and while they may be trying to raise his stock; he's not doing much to help his case and it's led to a lot of backlash:
Quillan is the closest thing the team has right now is Fraser Minten and we've seen how much he's thrived in Boston. Same goes for Alex Steeves.
At what point do the Maple Leafs decide that the future is now and start playing the pieces who will be here for years to come?
This team is not built to win now, so why not see what you can get while you move off of some frankly, tiring lineups.
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| POLL | ||
JANVIER 31|1302 ANSWERS Jacob Quillan’s Leafs stint just took a turn as a familiar face returns Is Toronto going to regret not keeping Jacob Quillan on the roster? | ||
| Yes | 810 | 62.2 % |
| No | 492 | 37.8 % |
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