Marlies' Jacob Quillan, Vinni Lettieri working to get back to the NHL

As part of our Maple Leafs coverage at the Toronto Sun, we’re keeping tabs on the club’s prospects, checking in on a weekly basis with the Leafs’ hopefuls across the hockey landscape.

Today, we talk to forwards Jacob Quillan and Vinni Lettieri of the Toronto Marlies.

A GOOD TASTE

Now that Quillan has had a brief stint with the Leafs, the 23-year-old centre wants more.

Quillan got into couple of games with the Leafs in November and, importantly, made a greater impact than he did in a one-game audition last January, when he made his National Hockey League debut for the Leafs in Ottawa against the Senators.

“Last year, I felt like there were distractions, with it being my first game,” Quillan said this week. “This time, I felt like the game slowed down a little bit. I felt like I could make plays.

“It takes time to find the rhythm of everybody, how you pass and how they skate on to pucks, and stuff like that. Seeing it more through training camp and exhibition games (this past fall), I was definitely a lot more comfortable.”

Quillan’s speed works in his favour, as noted by Leafs coach Craig Berube when Quillan played in two home games — a 3-2 overtime win against St. Louis on Nov. 18 and a 3-2 overtime loss against Columbus two nights later.

Some video work and a conversation with veteran Leafs centre Scott Laughton made an instant difference. Quillan lost all five of his draws versus the Blues, but won all three faceoffs he took against the Blue Jackets.

With 16 points, Quillan was tied with forwards Travis Boyd and Bo Groulx for the Marlies team lead heading into the club’s game in Laval, Que., against the Rocket on Wednesday night.

“You could say I’m happy with (that total), but I just want to play the right way,” Quillan said. “I want the points to fall, I want the goals. The main thing is winning.”

LETTIERI’S FOCUS

When Lettieri signed a one-year contract with Toronto in July, the objective for the veteran of 155 NHL games was to crack the Leafs roster in camp.

It didn’t happen for the 30-year-old Minnesota native, but he hasn’t lost sight of what’s required to try to make a recall at some point a reality.

“I have a lot more to give, I would say,” Lettieri said. “You’re never satisfied, no matter if everything is going right or not.

“In training camp, I wanted to make the team. I’m not someone that wants to just go through camp and get sent down. It’s horrible to have that feeling, especially when you work as hard as you do in the summertime.

“When it comes to that, it’s a little frustrating. I want to be back up there and be a regular NHLer and play as many games as possible. That’s my goal.

“There’s no goal of me staying here. I want to play in the NHL and win games and win a Stanley Cup. That’s why I signed here.”

There’s no question that Lettieri has enjoyed his first few months in the organization. He has played for the New York Rangers, Anaheim Ducks, Boston Bruins and Minnesota Wild in his NHL career and relished the chance to play in Toronto when the Leafs showed interest last July.

“If you love hockey, it’s the Mecca,” Lettieri said. “If you live and breathe hockey, this is the place to be.

“I just love the work ethic and the extra ice time that people put in here. It’s really fun, it’s enjoyable. That’s what drives me.

“I’m lucky that I can be in this position where I am, if I’m not up in the NHL, I’m working my way back. They’ve done everything to bring success out of every person in this room. I’m grateful for everyone here, and want to get back up as soon as possible.”

Lettieri had 12 points (three goals and nine assists) in 19 games heading into Wednesday night, and was looking to continue a productive string that included seven points in his previous eight games.

SUPPORTING THE BEAST

Both Quillan and Lettieri, naturally, were thrilled that goaltender Dennis Hildeby has excelled for the Leafs as Joseph Woll and Anthony Stolarz recover from injuries.

“It’s really not a surprise to me,” Lettieri said. “He’s a big goaltender, takes up a lot of room. He has come in halfway through games a handful of times this year, and he stood on his head.

“It’s pretty remarkable to see his composure in the net. He’s a great human being and he’s a great teammate. I was very happy for him to get the shutout (in a 2-0 Leafs win against Tampa Bay on Monday).”

Artur Akhtyamov, who otherwise would be getting starts with the Marlies, is backing up Hildeby for the time being.

Watching on TV, Quillan noted a special moment after the Leafs beat the Lightning and Hildeby had recorded his first NHL shutout.

“Saw him and Arty hug at the end of the game and it was nice to see that,” Quillan said. “(Hildeby) comes in every day and he works. It’s good. I like to see those guys succeed.”

tkoshan@postmedia.com

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