Toronto Maple Leafs send promising 23-year-old forward back to the Marlies
Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs are hoping for William Nylander to come back soon, and ahead of this weekend's game, the team has sent a young talent to the AHL.
William Nylander has missed six games with a lower-body injury, and there has been this hope that he would be back by Saturday night's matchup against the Vancouver Canucks.
During Nylander's absence, the Leafs have had 23-year-old forward Jacob Quillan as one of their spares. He has played three games this season, with zero points.
After a win last night against the Philadelphia Flyers, the Maple Leafs made an announcement this morning. Simply put, Quillan is going back to the AHL.
Jacob Quillan goes back to the Marlies
In 26 games with the Marlies this season, he has 23 points, which is very solid production. Fans hoped he would get more reps with the Leafs, but in the end, there was no room for him.
Having said that, this demotion gives him an opportunity to continue his development and perhaps even prove that he belongs at the NHL level.
As for Nylander, this latest decision is actually a good sign for his recovery. Why send down a forward if you need them to replace one of your guys?
It seems likelier than not that Nylander will end up getting back into the lineup against the Canucks, although we have to wonder what the Leafs will do.
Matthew Knies has taken his spot on the second line, with Matias Maccelli on the left wing. Meanwhile, Easton Cowan and Nick Robertson have been studs next to Nicolas Roy.
Head coach Craig Berube will have his work cut out for him, although it's never a bad thing when a former 45-goal scorer rejoins the lineup.
Whether or not Nylander's return brings the team some good luck, is something that definitely remains to be seen here.
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| POLL | ||
JANVIER 9 | 244 ANSWERS Toronto Maple Leafs send promising 23-year-old forward back to the Marlies Do you believe Jacob Quillan should get more opportunities with the Toronto Maple Leafs? | ||
| YES | 197 | 80.7 % |
| NO | 47 | 19.3 % |
| List of polls | ||