As the Frozen Four is set the opportunity for teams to sign some of the NCAA tournament players is now ago. Early today Steven Ellis took a look at another Quinnipiac player that should interest the Leafs, Collin Graf, but at least for now Brad Treliving’s attention has been focused on his teammate and the Leafs have signed Jacob Qullan to an entry level contract.
From the Maple Leafs press release:
The Toronto Maple Leafs announced today that the hockey club has signed forward Jacob Quillan to a two-year entry-level contract with an Average Annual Value of $875,000 beginning in 2024-25.
Quillan, 22, skated in 39 games for Quinnipiac University this season, registering 46 points (17 goals, 29 assists) and was the recipient of the ECAC Gladiator Best Defensive Forward Award. In 116 NCAA games, the 6’0, 201-pound centre recorded 93 points (38 goals, 55 assists). Last season, the Dartmouth, NS native scored the overtime winning goal to secure the 2023 NCAA Championship for Quinnipiac and was awarded the Frozen Four Most Outstanding Player Award.
So the first question has been answered and Quillan’s contract will start next season. The Leafs will not be burning a year for him and Toronto’s remaining two player contract spaces are still available to them if they choose to use them other Cade Webber or another NCAA/CHL free agent.
The fact that the Leafs went after a defensive player is a smart call and one that gives the Leafs a better chance at finding a spot they can use Quillan on either the Leafs or Marlies next season, and let’s be honest, it will likely be the Marlies to start.
| Season | Team | League | GP | G | A | Pts |
| 2020-21 | Penticton Vees | BCHL | 20 | 13 | 14 | 27 |
| 2021-22 | Quinnipiac | NCAA | 36 | 2 | 7 | 9 |
| 2022-23 | Quinnipiac | NCAA | 41 | 19 | 19 | 38 |
| 2023-24 | Quinnipiac | NCAA | 39 | 17 | 29 | 46 |
The offence has been there for Quillan as well and the fact that he can play centre is a bonus too as the organization hasn’t had the greatest depth up the middle.
Jason Bukala of Sportsnet had a write up on Quillan as a free agent to watch earlier this season saying this about him:
The six-foot, 201-pound, left-shot forward is used in all situations at Quinnipiac, and his relentless compete is evident on a nightly basis. He’s producing offence (nine goals, 12 assists), but it’s his three-zone detail and willingness to battle in the hard areas of the ice that stand out for me.
Quillan plays the game quick and he has excellent hand-eye coordination. When he sets up shop in the crease area, he has the ability to tip pucks from range, or corral rebounds and deposit pucks in the back of net.
He finished by saying Quillan is a potential third line NHLer who can be used in all situations.
Quillan is helpful depth that offsets a few of the Leafs shortcomings. With few draft picks, Quillan is decent prospect to get into the system and either a potential bottom six fit for the Leafs or more likely a middle six fit for the Marlies. At 22, there isn’t a need to rush him but he will still be more NHL ready than a draft pick and that helps.
With plenty of contract spaces available for use next season, this is a low risk move for the Leafs. Quillan’s ceiling might not be as high as Graf’s but there seems like some real potential in him. Our prospect experts Nick Richard and Steven Ellis will likely have more on Quillan in the coming days.
Stats via Eliteprospects
