Sammy Blais has been placed on waivers, while Jacob Quillan will return to the AHL’s Toronto Marlies, the Toronto Maple Leafs announced ahead of Wednesday’s game against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Quillan was not listed on the Maple Leafs’ roster page shortly after Wednesday’s practice. The 23-year-old did not record a point in two games with the Maple Leafs, but was lauded by his teammates and coaches for his tenacious approach.

“Q, he’s got great speed. He plays both wing and centre, but he brings speed to the game,” Berube said prior to a November 18 victory over the St. Louis Blues. “He’s a competitive kid, but his speed is what drives him. He’s fast, he’s powerful for a young kid. He’s going to bring energy to the game. He’s going to work. He’s going to compete, that’s what he’s going to bring to the game tonight.”

Auston Matthews, Matthew Knies and Nicolas Roy are all returning to the Maple Leafs’ lineup after multi-game absences. Matthews and Roy are returning from injured reserve, necessitating an open roster spot, and Quillan doesn’t require waivers.

“It’s been a tough couple weeks, but I think over the last four, five days or so, skating, practising, started to feel really good day after day,” Matthews said Wednesday via TSN’s Mark Masters. “Stacked some positive momentum and feel like I’m ready to go.”

Sammy Blais has also been removed from the Leafs’ roster page prior to the announcement that he was placed on waivers. Blais recorded a goal and three points in eight games with the Maple Leafs this season. He was reunited with head coach Craig Berube, where they won the Stanley Cup together with the St. Louis Blues in 2019.

“We always had a good relationship and he kind of knows the way I play, and he kinda likes that,” Blais said of Berube on October 7. “For me, I know what he expects from me, so I think it makes it a little easier to know someone.  I’m just excited to show that I can still play in this league.”