John Tavares speaks on prospect Jacob Quillan’s ‘tremendous’ attitude after scoring his first NHL goal

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Dallas Stars engaged in an entertaining, albeit relatively meaningless, game for both clubs on Monday night. The end result was the Stars walking away with a 6-5 win as the Maple Leafs wrapped up their 2025-26 home slate. 

The Maple Leafs have one more regular-season game remaining on Wednesday night when they travel to Ottawa to take on the Senators. The Maple Leafs’ fate for this season has been known for the better part of two months, resulting in their games having little meaning, something that not many players on this team have are used to after a long stretch of playoff appearances. Maple Leafs assistant captain John Tavares touched on how he’s tried to approach these games down the stretch following the loss on Monday night. 

“I approach each game as a new game. It should be about pride, to play in this league, to wear the crest that we’re wearing,” Tavares said. “You need to be the best you can to play at the highest level and help your team win as many games.” 

The Maple Leafs finished this season with a home record of 18-15-8, down from the previous season’s surge on home ice. Tavares spoke post-game about this being the final time playing in front of the Maple Leaf fans this season. 

“It’s tough when you know it’s the last one. It’s tough knowing this is the last opportunity to go play in front of the fans,” Tavares said. 

Not to be lost in the evening was Jacob Quillan. The 24-year-old recorded his first career NHL goal in the second period when a Steven Lorentz wrap-around attempt was directed in off Quillan’s skate. In 22 games this season, Quillan has recorded one goal and one assist. 

“That was awesome. He’s been phenomenal. I think the energy he plays the game with, obviously the speed and tenacity he shows out there, I think the valuable experience and opportunity he’s gotten here,” Tavares said. “The opportunity here is to think about how he can grow and impact the game, and see what the league is all about, what the grind is like night to night and what challenges he faces. He’s worked real hard and has a tremendous attitude.” 

When Tavares suits up on Wednesday night, that will be the 35-year-old’s 82nd game of the season, appearing in every one during the regular season for the sixth time in his career. Tavares is set to be the only Maple Leafs player to dress in all 82 games this year. Tavares discussed what has helped him achieve this feat this season. 

“I just try to prepare the best I can, play at a high level, compete at a high level and do everything I can to be durable,” Tavares said. “You want to play every game, that’s what you work all off-season for.”