Jacob Quillan Recalled: Leafs prep for post-Roy era with NCAA Star

Having dealt center Nicolas Roy to the Colorado Avalanche earlier in the day in exchange for a first round pick and a fifth, the Toronto Maple Leafs in a corresponding move recalled center Jacob Quillan.

With Roy having been moved out, Quillan was recalled from the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League and becomes a potential sticking piece down the middle for th3 Leafs.

Quillan, 24, has appeared in four games with the Leafs this season while appearing in 38 games for the Marlies, scoring 12 goals and 33 games this season in the AHL.

The Leafs now have a potential existing 3C option in Jacob Quillan, and it could alleviate the Leafs current need to upgrade at forward, at least within their bottom-six.

The Toronto Maple Leafs gain someone who at least this season could take on a role on the third line, or on the fourth line if Scott Laughton stays and is moved up.

It could be a benefit for Laughton if he remains and get a consistent third line shot, something he's lacked with Roy's place there in the lineup.

Long-term, Quillan projects as high as a 3C, and while he may not progress to being a top-six forward, he could find himself in his eventual NHL landing spot in the coming days, and be an audition for earning a roster spot next season.

If Quillan is able to take the most of this potential opportunity and show he can be a bottom-six forward at the NHL level, it gives the Leafs a reliable rookie on an entry-level contract rather than needing to go back to the market.

There's a clear projection for the Leafs, it's just up for Jacob Quillan to prove he can make the jump to the NHL level, and it would best for Toronto for him to be ready now.

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