Back in September, Jacob Quillan said his expectation was to earn a spot on the Maple Leafs’ roster in training camp.
It didn’t turn out that way for the 22-year-old forward, but you don’t have to imagine what he is thinking now.
All signs point to Quillan making his National Hockey League debut on Saturday night when the Leafs visit the Ottawa Senators.
At practice on Friday, Quillan, wearing No. 61, skated on the fourth line with Fraser Minten at centre and Ryan Reaves on the right wing.
“I’m excited, looking to go out there and help the team in any way I can,” Quillan said. “Play simple and try to make an impact.”
Leafs coach Craig Berube asked for nothing more.
“He has great speed and he’s a strong kid, just use your abilities, your skating and be simple with the puck,” Berube said. “He can disrupt things with his speed and his body.”
Quillan’s family lives in Ottawa and will be in attendance at the Canadian Tire Centre. In 35 games with the Toronto Marlies, Quillan has 15 points (six goals and nine assists).
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We asked goalie Matt Murray, who joined the Leafs on Friday after he was recalled from the Marlies, for a scouting report on the 6-foot-1, 204-pound Quillan.
“Hard-nosed guy, good skater, strong, really good shot, drives the net really well,” Murray said. “He can put the puck in the net. He’s a great kid, a guy that everybody likes being around.
“Super-happy to see him get called up. He deserved it. He has been playing great for us with the Marlies for quite some time.”