The Maple Leafs made some roster moves today, calling up rookie Jacob Quillan while veteran Max Pacioretty heads to injured reserve.
Quillan, just 22 years old, has been quietly making his mark with the AHL’s Toronto Marlies this season. He’s been hot lately too – putting up 5 points in his last 5 games.
The young center from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia might not be a household name yet, but hockey fans might remember him from last year’s NCAA championship. He scored the overtime winner that gave Quinnipiac the national title – pretty dramatic stuff for a college kid.
Since turning pro, he’s put up decent numbers as the Marlies’ third-line center: 6 goals and 9 assists in 35 games.
If he gets into the lineup, it’ll be his first taste of NHL action.
The move comes as Pacioretty, 36, recovers from a scary moment in Saturday’s game against Montreal when he took a puck to the ear. The veteran forward has been solid for the Leafs this year, with 5 goals and 7 assists in 32 games.
Being placed on IR means Pacioretty will miss at least the next two games – Wednesday against Columbus and Saturday’s matchup with Ottawa.
The earliest we might see him back in action would be next Wednesday when the Leafs face Minnesota.
