Quillan won the NCAA's Frozen Four tournament last year with Quinnipiac University and was the tournaments MVP. While his team failed to repeat this season, he himself was named the ECAC's top defensive forward. Now as he enters pro hockey, he sees one special player to model his game after, and he was quick to give his fellow Nova Scotia native a nod during an interview at the end of Maple Leafs Development Camp.
"Sidney Crosby. I grew up 5 minutes from him. I watched him growing up, so I take the little things that he does. He plays the game so detailed, so whatever he does out there, I try to mimic. He is Nova Scotia," Quillan said in an interview with TSN's Mark Masters.
Look for Quillan to challenge for a spot on the Maple Leafs' fourth line in training camp this fall. He's likely to start the year with the Marlies and get plenty of ice time, but with his excellent two-way play, competitiveness and defensive ability, he could be called up quite early if there are injuries.
Though he is a defensive forward, Quillan does have a bit of a scoring touch that might develop at the pro level. Perhaps he'll learn a few tricks from Sid.
Source: TSNLeafs prospect Quillan learns from Crosby, works on goal scoring
POLL | ||
9 JUILLET | 383 ANSWERS Leafs prospect attempting to emulate one of the greatest players of all-time Will Jacob Quillan become and NHL player? | ||
Yes, this year | 43 | 11.2 % |
Yes, but not until 2025-26 | 189 | 49.3 % |
No, he'll remain with the Marlies | 73 | 19.1 % |
Who? | 78 | 20.4 % |
List of polls |