Maple Leafs Officially Send Rookie Forward Back to Marlies Following Injury

A dangerous knee-on-knee hit minutes into his NHL debut led to Jacob Quillan playing just over 5 minutes against the Ottawa Senators on Saturday night.

After missing the Leafs' annual outdoor practice, Quillan skated with other injured Leafs ahead of practice on Tuesday confirming he had suffered an injury on the play.

The extent of the injury is unknown, but with Matthew Knies expected to return this weekend, along with John Tavares well on his way to return as well, it made the roster move easier for the Leafs.

On Friday, ahead of practice, the Leafs re-assigned Quillan to the Toronto Marlies, who are on their own Western road trip currently. The move frees up a roster spot to activate either Knies or Tavares from injured reserve, meaning one should rejoin the Leafs' lineup on Saturday.

Without Knies and Tavares in the lineup, the Leafs have struggled mightily to score, having potted just 3 goals over their last 3 games. They have lost all 3 of those games.

The pair has combined for 38 goals and 73 points so far this season. Adding one or both of them to the lineup on Saturday will provide a huge boost to the forward group and hopefully ignite the offense and better balance the lines.