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What the Canucks are getting in new trade acquisitions Jacob Quillan and Brandon Buhr

Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

By David Quadrelli

Oct 16, 2026, 13:45 EDT

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By now, you’ve heard the news. The Vancouver Canucks have dealt soon-to-be-24-year-old centre Aatu Räty to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for forwards Jacob Quillan and Brandon Buhr.

Quillan, 24, will report to the AHL Abbotsford Canucks, while the 24-year-old North Vancouver product Buhr will start out with the Kalamazoo Wings in the ECHL.

Jacob Quillan

Quillan first caught our attention in 2024, when he became an undrafted college free agent after putting up 46 points in 39 games with Quinnipiac University. Here is what our own Dave Hall wrote about him at the time:

“Despite being recognized more for his work ethic, the 21-year-old has also proven himself in the offensive zone. He excels as a relentless presence at the netfront, creating chaos and showcasing strong hand-eye and quick hands in tight… He has middle-six NHL upside written all over his game.”

That was then, and this is now.

In the time since turning pro and signing with Toronto, Quillan has appeared in 24 total NHL games — 23 of which came last season. He’s got one goal and two assists to his name at the NHL level, but has proven to be a solid AHL contributor. Last season, Quillan played a big role for the Calder Cup-winning Toronto Marlies, tallying 14 goals and 22 assists through 40 regular season games before adding 9 more points in the playoffs.

To get a better sense of who Quillan is as a player, we reached out to our colleague Arun Srinivasan, the Managing Editor of theleafsnation.com/Daily Faceoff Toronto. Here’s what he had to say:

“Jacob Quillan could be valuable to the Canucks as a bottom-six forward with real scoring touch at the AHL level. It’s likely that the Leafs’ new regime didn’t believe in Quillan’s ability to meaningfully drive offence in the NHL. The 6-foot-1 forward is a responsible two-way presence, with one goal and four points in 24 NHL games.
Quillan played in 23 games with the Maple Leafs last season, although that’s a bit of a misnomer. Craig Berube often stapled him to the bench, preferring to play Calle Jarnkrok among established pros when the season was already lost. We’re not going to forecast a major uptick in offensive production, but Quillan will be provided an honest chance at making an impact in the Canucks’ bottom-six. Toronto signed several veteran forwards this summer, eliminating Quillan’s chance to meaningfully win a roster spot during camp.”

Seems… intriguing!

Brandon Buhr

Brandon Buhr is from North Vancouver, and comes with a bit less fanfare than Quillan. He played his junior hockey in the BCHL with stops in Coquitlam, West Kelowna, and Alberni Valley.

After starting his collegiate career at Clarkson, Buhr found his footing following a transfer to Union College. Over three seasons with the Garnet Chargers, the 6-foot-2, 200-pound winger developed into a reliable top-six power forward with a knack for driving play and finishing around the blue paint. He steadily expanded his offensive production each year in upstate New York, culminating in a strong senior campaign where he registered 19 goals and 36 points across 35 games.

Upon wrapping up his college career, Buhr signed a contract with the Maple Leafs organization and made his pro debut last season, chipping in two assists across five AHL games.

At 24, Buhr represents a low-risk, project-style addition for Vancouver’s depth chart. While starting his tenure with the ECHL’s Kalamazoo Wings, his physical size, heavy shot, and local connection make him an intriguing developmental piece to monitor as he adjusts to the pro game.