Up, Down, Between: Year in the Life of Maple Leafs Jacob Quillan

Jacob Quillan's 2025-2026 season has been a whirlwind of movement between the Toronto Maple Leafs and their AHL affiliate, the Toronto Marlies, showcasing the challenging path for a young player striving to establish himself in the NHL. The 23-year-old forward has experienced the highs of NHL call-ups and the need to prove himself consistently in the AHL.

Quillan, an undrafted prospect who signed with the Maple Leafs in 2024 after a career at Quinnipiac University, began the season with the Marlies. In 26 games, he tallied five goals and 23 points, demonstrating an impressive offensive contribution. This performance earned him a call-up to the Maple Leafs in mid-November amidst a series of injuries to key players.

His first stint with the Leafs in the 2025-26 season saw him play a couple of games, where he managed one shot and six hits. Although he didn't register any points, the experience provided a taste of the NHL and an understanding of the demands at the highest level. Following this brief appearance, he was reassigned to the Marlies at the end of November.

Another opportunity arose in late December when further injuries created another opening on the Maple Leafs roster. Head Coach Craig Berube expressed his admiration for Quillan's attributes, noting his "energy and his speed". Berube suggested Quillan was "getting close to being an NHL player and a full-time one with his ability". Quillan featured in the Leafs' 4-0 victory over the New Jersey Devils, logging seven minutes of ice time and finishing with a plus-1 rating.

However, his latest NHL stint was short-lived. On Friday, January 9, 2026, Quillan was once again sent down to the Toronto Marlies. This move coincided with the anticipated return of William Nylander from a lower-body injury, highlighting the roster challenges faced by NHL teams. Prior to being sent down, Quillan played three games with the Maple Leafs this season without recording a point.

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демонстрируя отличные результаты. Despite the constant movement, Quillan has maintained a positive attitude and a strong work ethic. He is viewed as a versatile player, capable of playing both center and wing, contributing offensively, and taking on defensive responsibilities. He possesses the tenacity to compete in tough areas and the skill to capitalize on scoring opportunities.

демонстрируя отличные результаты. Back with the Marlies, Quillan immediately made an impact, scoring a hat trick and adding an assist in a dominant 6-1 win against the Belleville Senators. This performance underscored his ability to perform at the AHL level and served as a reminder of his potential to contribute to the Maple Leafs in the future.

As a restricted free agent this summer, Quillan's focus remains on consistent development and maximizing his opportunities. His journey this season exemplifies the up-and-down nature of a young player's career, requiring resilience and a commitment to continuous improvement. While a regular NHL role remains the ultimate goal, Quillan is demonstrating that he is ready to make the most of every chance he gets.