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Another Young Leafs Prospect Emerging as Future NHLer Amid Fraser Minten's Departure

Originally posted on Maple Leafs Daily | By Nick Matthews | Last updated Mar 11, 2025 9:01 AM ET

The departure of Fraser Minten at the trade deadline has led to the emergence if another young Leafs prospect as a potential future NHLer.

The Toronto Maple Leafs recently secured a hard-fought 4-3 shootout win against the Utah Hockey Club, almost watching a 3-0 lead slip away in the process.

It was also the second game for newly acquired duo Brandon Carlo and Scott Laughton, and while both players made an impact, it's evident that there are still some growing pains to work through.

With Fraser Minten moving in the opposite direction as part of the Carlo trade, the door has opened for other prospects to climb the ranks, and Jacob Quillan, currently with the Toronto Marlies, now looks like the most ready NHL prospect in the system.

As per Leafsnationnews on X:

'It seems like Quillan is probably the main prospect TOR has on the cusp of playing a role for them - good chunk of games next year - & he'll benefit from Minten being dealt.
He started scoring in mid-December more & has 22 PTS in 29 GP, as a natural 2-way C in his first AHL season.'

While Quillan had a slow start in his first full season with the Marlies, he has been dominant of late. Through 50 games this season, he has 26 points. However, his main contribution has been as the team's primary defensive forward in tough situations.

A former player for Quinnipiac University in the ECAC, Quillan showcased his impressive defensive skills during his NCAA career.

In 2024, he was named the ECAC Gladiator Best Defensive Forward, and it's worth noting that he also earned the Frozen Four's Most Outstanding Player award in 2023 while leading his team to an NCAA Championship.

Quillan made his first appearance for the Maple Leafs earlier this season after a late injury to Max Pacioretty, but he did not register any points in the game.

This article first appeared on Maple Leafs Daily and was syndicated with permission.

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