'He's A Workhorse': What To Expect From Maple Leafs' Jacob Quillan In NHL Debut Against Senators

Jacob Quillan arrived in Ottawa, Ontario, with the Toronto Maple Leafs on Friday night. He had a home-cooked meal with his parents before making his NHL debut on Saturday against the Senators.

The 22-year-old, originally from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, moved to Canada's capital with his family five years ago. When he steps out onto the ice inside the Canadian Tire Centre on Saturday, Quillan will have around 15 family members in the crowd.

"I've got, like, uncles, aunts, cousins coming," Quillan said after Toronto's optional morning skate. "It's going to be cool to have them out."

The young forward signed a two-year, entry-level contract with the Maple Leafs on Apr. 1 — which began this season — following three years at Quinnipiac University. He was one of the NCAA's top college free agents and joined Toronto hoping to one day crack the NHL.

"Just a dream come true," he said in April, after signing with the organization. "But just looking forward to the next step and hopefully become a Leaf one day."

Related: 'Just A Dream Come True': Why Jacob Quillan Chose the Maple Leafs and the Next Steps in his Pro Career

After an injury to Max Pacioretty forced him onto Toronto's injured reserve list on Jan. 22, the Maple Leafs called up Quillan. And before Friday's practice, he saw his name penned beside Fraser Minten and Ryan Reaves on the team's fourth line.

"He's a quieter guy around the room. But you watch him play out there, he plays with a lot of intensity, he's got really good skill and he works extremely hard," Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews said of Quillan on Friday.

"I was really impressed with him in camp this year. I just think he plays with a lot of energy. With his skill, he makes hard plays and he plays a hard game."

Quillan's call-up to the Maple Leafs because of his strong play in the AHL as of late. He put up 11 points — five goals and six assists — in his last 14 games with the Marlies, though it's not just the point production that's been robust.

"I really believe that he continues to grow. Like, he's understanding the game's not played all at one speed. He has great speed," Marlies head coach John Gruden told The Hockey News in a one-on-one interview earlier this month.

"To understand how to change gears, and when to attack, he's done a really good job."

Related: How Fraser Minten And Other Maple Leafs Prospects Have Developed With Marlies This Season

Quillan's game consists of a lot of pace, which will help him in his NHL debut on Saturday against the Senators. He's also strong on the puck and can play a 200-foot game.

All of which he's done with the Marlies this season.

"He's got great speed and he's a strong kid. Use your abilities, your skating. Be simple with the puck," Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube said of Quillan. "He can disrupt things with his speed and his body."

Whether they admit it or not, every player has a lot of nerves going into their NHL debut. And why wouldn't you? It's a culmination of all the hard work you've done in the past to get to this point.

"I'm a little nervous. A little excited," Quillan said. "But I'm just going to approach it like any other game. Just go through my routine and just try to be ready for the game."

When the young steps onto the ice for his first shift, he'll be alongside a veteran in Reaves, plus someone who's made their NHL debut within the last year or so in Minten.

The two rookies spoke about what it'll be like for Quillan ahead of the game.

"I just talked to him about the little things, like what to expect and stuff like that. Looking forward to playing with him," Quillan said. "He's a great player. Good two-way player and makes plays, so hopefully we can do something tonight."

What has Reaves learned about his new linemate Quillan since the forward signed with the organization in April?

"I learned that he's going to be on my line tomorrow," the veteran forward smiled on Friday, "and that he's going to be putting pucks in deep and not doing anything too crazy at the blue line. That's what I learned."

Bobby McMann played with Quillan's brother, Nick, at Colgate University, so he and Jacob know each other quite well. "They have some similar tendencies," the 28-year-old said.

(Jacob's brother is flying in from New York to watch Jacob make his NHL debut in Ottawa.)

McMann was once in Quillan's position: coming out of college and looking to make a name for himself. McMann worked hard to crack Toronto's NHL lineup, and he sees the same tendencies in the young forward.

"He's a workhorse. He works so hard," McMann said.

"I saw him in the gym in the summer and how hard he works out and how hard he competes on the ice, I think that's just who he is and I'm sure he'll bring that in the game."

It'll be Quillan's first NHL game and his first real taste of the Battle of Ontario. Growing up a Maple Leafs fan, he understands the rivalry between Toronto and Ottawa.

However, instead of watching it on TV, Quillan will be under the bright lights, playing inside the Canadian Tire Centre on Hockey Night in Canada in a Maple Leafs uniform.

"It feels good. I'm excited," he said. "A lot of people that have helped me get here. Just thankful for them, thankful for God. Just going to take it all in."

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