Ottawa Senators forward Zack MacEwen, 17, tries to get the puck from Toronto Maple Leafs forward Jacob Quillan during an NHL pre-season game at the Canadian Tire Centre on Sept. 21. Photo by Ashley Fraser /PostmediaArticle contentA couple of young Nova Scotians are hoping this is their time to make a statement in the NHL.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentThe Toronto Maple Leafs called up Dartmouth’s Jacob Quillan for Tuesday’s home game against the St. Louis Blues and River Denys’s Colten Ellis is building some excellent momentum with the Buffalo Sabres.Article contentArticle contentQuillan is a 23-year-old centre who signed with the Leafs organization in the spring of 2024 after an outstanding NCAA career at Quinnipiac University. He got his first NHL taste last season when he played 5:21 against the Ottawa Senators but has otherwise been a mainstay with the AHL’s Toronto Marlies. He put up 37 points in 67 games as a rookie in 2024-25 and leads the team with 14 points in his first 14 games so far this year.Article contentArticle content“He plays with a lot of energy,” Marlies head coach John Gruden said in a media session Monday. “I think he’s understood a little bit of when to slow himself down a little bit to be able to make that next play. I think he’s up with his assist totals. As a coach, and as a staff, we have no problem putting him in any situation out there.Article content“He can play six-on-five, five-on-six, he can kill a penalty, play in the net-front on the power play. He can do a lot. He’s grown his game and continues to get confidence and gets that consistency. I’m glad that he gets a call-up, it’s good for him. It’s well deserved.”Article contentPre-game projections out of Toronto had Quillan pencilled in at centre on the third line with Matias Maccelli and Bobby McMann.Article content“He’s the hardest worker on and off the ice, and you can see it on the ice,” Marlies teammate Marc Johnstone said in a media session. “His legs never stop moving and obviously his production has been incredible. He’s been a huge part of this team this year and it’s great to see him get the opportunity with the Leafs.”Article contentArticle contentCape Breton’s Ellis earning his keep in BuffaloArticle contentEllis is now four games into his rookie audition and is making an outstanding impression.Article contentThe 25-year-old goalie started back-to-back games for the first time on Saturday and Monday, winning both. The former Charlottetown Islanders and Rimouski Oceanic star first turned aside 24 shots against the Detroit Red Wings in a 5-4 overtime decision and then made 32 saves against the Edmonton Oilers in a 5-1 victory that earned him the second star.Article content“I just want to play games and give the team a chance to win so whatever I can do to earn my ice, I’m going to do it,” Ellis said during a post-game media session Monday.Article content Buffalo Sabres goalie Colten Ellis and Edmonton Oilers winger Zach Hyman track the puck during Monday’s NHL game in Buffalo. – SUPPLIED BY THE NHLArticle contentEllis spent his first four pro seasons in the Blues’ farm system but they lost him to the Sabres on waivers on Oct. 6. He made his NHL debut on Oct. 22, earning the first star in a 4-2 win over the Red Wings.
Nova Scotia’s Jacob Quillan, Colten Ellis eyeing permanent homes in NHL
