Maple Leafs’ Jacob Quillan planning to lean on confidence as Marlies’ playoff run looms

The Toronto Maple Leafs’ 2025-26 regular season disappointed in many ways, finishing second last in the Eastern Conference with a record of 32-36-14 and missed the playoffs for the first time in almost a decade. 

The way this year’s campaign went allowed the Maple Leafs to give younger players the opportunity to showcase at the NHL level, with the hopes of finding pieces for a better team next year. One of those players was Jacob Quillan, who appeared in 23 games, recording one goal and two assists after making his NHL debut the year prior. 

On Thursday, Quillan joined Leafs Morning Take with Nick Alberga and Jay Rosehill to discuss how he viewed his first year in the NHL, the feeling of his first career goal, and the opportunity ahead with the Toronto Marlies during the AHL playoffs. 

“I think just getting the reps every day, and you learn to play at the pace and that level. I felt like every game I played in the NHL, I got more comfortable,” Quillan said. “I felt like I was able to make plays, and I’m just hoping to bring that confidence down here with the Marlies to help the team win and see what we can do.”

Quillan opened his career by going goalless over his first 22 career games before getting on the board in the first period during the Maple Leafs’ penultimate game of the regular season in a 6-5 loss against the Dallas Stars. The 24-year-old forward redirected a Steven Lorentz wrap-around attempt from behind the net off his skate, achieving a feat that many young hockey players dream of. 

“Right when it went in, I kind of heard everybody around me going kick, kick, kick, so I was kind of worried, but I was still in the moment,” Quillan said. “I don’t even remember putting my hands up and celebrating; it all just happened so fast. It was 20 games or something without a goal, so it felt good to get it off the chest, not worry about it, and just play hockey.” 

Upon completion of the Maple Leafs’ season, Quillan, amongst a few other young players within the organization, were sent to the AHL as the Marlies prepare for a playoff run. In 40 games with the Marlies this year, Quillan posted 14 goals and 22 assists, good for a tie for fifth most points among all Marlies skaters with 36. Quillan spoke about what he expects of himself during these playoffs. 

“With the Marlies, I’m on the power play and penalty kill, so I definitely have a bigger role than the one I had on the Maple Leafs. I want to take advantage of that and do anything to help the team win,” Quillan said. “I need to score goals in these playoffs, but I’ll also be out in those moments where you have to shut down the game and try to win. I think all around it’s important for me to play well and help the team win.” 

Life in the NHL can be daunting for rookies, facing the game’s top talent and the pressure to succeed at the highest level. Quillan spoke about a few of the players who helped ease the transition during his rookie campaign. 

“Scott Laughton helped me a lot, just trying to learn from him and stuff like that,” Quillan said. “I would say in the second half, Max Domi and Steven Lorentz looked out for me and gave me advice. Especially Stevie being on my line, learning how to play the fourth line role on the Maple Leafs. Top down, those guys are unbelievable, and they all help me a lot. It’s a really good group of guys in the locker room, and all look out for each other.”

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