Jacob Quillan set to make NHL debut for Maple Leafs with family and friends in attendance

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Jacob Quillan is set to make his NHL debut against the Ottawa Senators on Saturday.

Quillan was called up on Wednesday morning to help shore up the forward core that has been ravaged by injuries in recent weeks. He didn’t factor into the mix for their game against the Columbus Blue Jackets later that night but was seen at Friday’s practice skating on the fourth line with Fraser Minten and Ryan Reaves.

Speaking with reporters after Saturday’s morning skate, Quillan expressed his enthusiasm for having his NHL debut happen with lots of family and friends in town to watch.

“I’m excited. I have a lot of family coming tonight,” he said via Sportsnet’s Luke Fox. “A lot of people who helped me get here. So just thankful for them, thankful for God. Just going to take it all in.”

Quillan is getting his opportunity as a reward for his strong play with the Toronto Marlies in recent weeks. While his point total of 15 points (six goals and nine assists) may not be impressive, he has long been a player who is strong defensively and willing to do whatever it takes to help his team get the win.

Not only that, but he is also versatile, as he is comfortable playing on the wings as well as down the middle, which the coaching staff will surely appreciate. Quillan has even started to find his groove offensively with 11 points in his past 14 games, with him fresh off a productive weekend in the AHL, where he was dominant in two shutout wins over the Manitoba Moose.

“He is up here because he has played really well down there,” Head coach Craig Berube said of Quillan on Wednesday. “He has been a very good player of late. If we need him, he is available for us. When guys do well, they get rewarded, they come up to the NHL.”

While it remains to be seen how long his first stint in the NHL will fare, the fact Quillan has gotten a call-up and is getting into game action shows the Leafs are a big believer in his abilities. After all, they granted him a two-year ELC last April and have been heavily invested in his development.

There is no doubt that this will not be the last time he is up with the big team and Quillan should now be high up on the pecking order as injury fills as the season progresses. Perhaps he could even become a full-timer in the near future if he plays his cards right.

“Hard-nosed guy, good skater, strong, really good shot, drives the net really well,” goalie Matt Murray said after Friday’s practice of seeing Quillan get recalled by the Leafs. “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.”

You can catch Quillan’s maiden voyage in the NHL on CBC and Sportsnet with the puck drop scheduled for 7 p.m. EST.