'I Wаnt To Mаke Tһe Mарle Leаfs': Confіdent Jасob Quіllаn Hаs Eyes on NHL Aһeаd of Trаіnіng Cаmр Wіtһ Odds Stасked Agаіnst Hіm

The forward was a part of the Maple Leafs prospects' top-six through camp this week, centring a line that featured Brandon Lisowsky, Roni Hirvonen, and Ty Voit all skating through it.

Quillan is from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, and admitted to me while with the Marlies last season that he was an avid Maple Leafs fan growing up. On Saturday, and potentially Sunday, he'll have the chance to play under the bright lights in Montreal.

"It's an honor to wear the jersey for sure," he said. "Such a great organization, so it's going to be fun to put the sweater on."

Making the NHL squad out of training camp will be quite the challenge, especially at center, with the likes of Auston Matthews, John Tavares, David Kampf, Pontus Holmberg, Fraser Minten, and potentially, William Nylander in the position.

But Quillan believes in himself and is up for the challenge.

"I mean, it's a big challenge. But, anywhere you go is going to be a big challenge, so I'm just looking to improve every day and if I get the opportunity, I'm going to try to make the most of it," he said.

"I think I can bring a 200-foot game and be a guy who wins draws, can penalty kill, and stuff like that. Just bring a complete game."

The forward could follow the same path as Minten did at training camp last season: Surprise everyone and make the Maple Leafs' opening night roster. Though he'll also be going up against the 20-year-old in training camp.

When Marlies head coach John Gruden was asked about Quillan's assessment of himself on Friday, the bench boss said he appreciated the forward's confidence.

"It's great that he feels that way. Every player should. He came from a good college program in the U.S. They won a National Championship. He has that pedigree and he understands what it takes to win. So with that being said, he feels like he has value, so they signed him for a reason," Gruden said. 

"At the end of the day, he's going to come here and just start with us (the Marlies), have a good showing, and then go from there. That should be any kid's dream when they get signed, so for him he's just got to stay focused, make sure he's focused on the little things, structurally, away from the puck, and the rest will take care of itself."

Quillan has never participated in an NHL training camp, so next week will be his first taste of action. That's when he hopes to surprise many and push for a spot on the NHL squad early in the season.

"I mean, I put in the work. I think I'm confident out there and I put in the work every day in the gym, on the ice, so I'm just kind of playing my game."