Maple Leafs Rookie Making a Strong Case for a Call-Up Following Lorentz Injury

The Toronto Maple Leafs have been one of the unluckiest teams thus far this season when it comes to injuries and key absences -- though, thankfully, none of them have been Auston Matthews, who appears to be healthy.

Scott Laughton has been dealing with a lower-body injury that he suffered during the pre-season and has yet to make his regular season debut for the Maple Leafs. Along with Calle Jarnkrok, Chris Tanev and William Nylander, the injuries are starting to pile up for the Maple Leafs.

Yes, Laughton is expected to be back shortly, with some suspecting he could make his debut on Saturday against his former team, the Philadelphia Flyers. Still, the absences have stung this team.

Should he be unable to go soon, though, the Leafs could look to Marlies forward and rookie center Jacob Quillan to help fill the void until such a time as Laughton can return.

In Wednesday's lackluster effort against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Steven Lorentz, who recently returned from an upper-body injury, crashed heavily into the end boards in the second period and did not return.

The 23-year-old Quillan was listed on the Leafs' opening night roster over Easton Cowan for salary cap purposes, but was almost immediately sent down.

Since the beginning of the Marlies' season, Quillan has been impressive, tallying a goal and six points through seven games to sit second in scoring behind Alex Nylander.

The return date for Laughton is still in question, but given the Leafs' need for a top-six forward and lack of depth at center without Laughton, Quillan could not only fill the void on the fourth line, but could help stabilize the club down the middle.

Defensively responsible, but able to provide an offensive touch, Quillan would be an ideal short-term fix at the very least for the Leafs. He also has some pre-existing chemistry with Easton Cowan as the two played together at the rookie tournament and during the pre-season some.