Why coach Craig Berube thinks Jacob Quillan is close to being a full-time Maple Leaf

Jacob Quillan is on the cusp.

That’s the opinion of Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube after the young forward was recalled from the Toronto Marlies on Tuesday.

“I think he’s getting close to being an NHL player, and a full-time one, with his ability,” Berube said after the morning skate, hours before the Leafs play host to the New Jersey Devils at Scotiabank Arena. “I love Quillan’s energy and his speed. He’s a young kid, but he could come in and provide what we need tonight and going forward.

“It’s a good opportunity for him.”

The status of captain Auston Matthews still is to be determined at game time, as he is dealing with a lower-body injury suffered on Sunday in Detroit against the Red Wings. If Matthews is in uniform against the Devils, that would give the Leafs four centres.

Quillan was between Steven Lorentz and Calle Jarnkrok in line rushes at the morning skate.

Good for Leafs

If Berube is proven to be correct in his evaluation of Quillan in the long term, the Leafs will be better off.

Since originally signing with the organization in April 2024 after three seasons at Quinnipiac University, the 23-year-old has developed nicely with the Marlies. He leads the Leafs’ American Hockey League affiliate with 23 points (five goals and 18 assists) in 26 games, following a fine AHL rookie year when he had 37 points (18 goals and 19 assists) in 67 games.

A native of Dartmouth, N.S., Quillan will be a restricted free agent this summer. Continued progress on the part of Quillan would be a bonus considering the Leafs’ prospect cupboard isn’t brimming with blue-chippers.

Quillan has played in three games for the Leafs, including two this season, and remains in search of his first National Hockey League point.

Quillan got the call on Monday, before the Marlies hit the road to Cleveland for a quick trip to play the Monsters on Tuesday night, from Leafs assistant general manager Ryan Hardy to inform him that he was being summoned to the NHL club.

“I’ve gotten reps and I’m a little more comfortable with the system and the guys,” Quillan said. “I’m looking to play my game and hopefully create something.

“I want to play well (with the Marlies), build some confidence and bring it up here and show what I can do.”

tkoshan@postmedia.com

X: @koshtorontosun