Jacob Quillan says he blacked out after scoring first career NHL goal

“All the guys were pumped for me,” Quillan continued. “It’s a really good group, they make me feel right at home, so it was a special moment for sure.”

He added that he’ll likely put the puck in his grandfather’s room.

Quillan recorded his first NHL point on March 29th in a 5-1 loss to the St. Louis Blues. After making his debut in a one-game stint last year, he made a few appearances across different call-ups throughout this season, before finally becoming a regular part of the roster in March.

“I’m just learning a lot,” Quillan said, speaking about his play this season. “How to play at this level, get acclimated, and hopefully make the team next year. Just get those reps and try to get better.”

Originally signed in April 2024 as an undrafted prospect out of Quinnipiac University, Quillan is in his second complete season as part of the Maple Leafs organization. The Dartmouth, Nova Scotia native had 18 goals and 19 assists in 67 games last year with the Toronto Marlies. Owing to multiple call-ups to the Leafs, the 24-year-old played just 38 games with the Marlies this season, but still managed 12 goals and 21 assists.

Along with Easton Cowan, Quillan was assigned to the Marlies at this year’s trade deadline to ensure his eligibility for the AHL postseason, which begins next week. Quillan and Cowan are expected to be returned to the Marlies once the Leafs’ season ends on Wednesday.

Toronto’s AHL affiliate play a back-to-back against the Laval Rocket this weekend to finish off their regular season campaign and determine final seeding. Across the previous two seasons, Quillan has five postseason appearances with the Marlies, but has yet to register a playoff point.