Toronto Maple Leafs: Rasmus Sandin Signs His ELC
The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed Uppsala, Sweden native, Rasmus Sandin to an entry-level contract (ELC).
Last season was Sandin’s first full season playing in North America. The Toronto Maple Leafs drafted him 29th overall this summer. He had been selected by the OHL’s Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds in the 2017 Canadian Hockey League Import Draft.
Sandin proved to be a wise pick for the Greyhounds as he had one incredible season. In 51 games played for the Greyhounds, he registered 12 goals and 33 assists.
Throughout last season, Sandin caught the eye of Kyle Dubas, former GM of the Greyhounds. While Dubas wasn’t the GM that selected Sandin in the CHL draft, he has a close connection with the OHL team. Not only did Dubas help bring Sheldon Keefe, former Greyhound head coach to Toronto, but he had worked for the team since university. Additionally, his father, Walter had coached the Greyhounds in the 1960s.
This morning, the Toronto Maple Leafs Public Relations Twitter handle, @LeafsPR announced that the Toronto Maple Leafs have signed Sandin to a three-year ELC. The tweet is below.
The @MapleLeafs announced today that the hockey club has signed defenceman Rasmus Sandin to a three-year entry-level contract. #TMLtalk
— Leafs PR (@LeafsPR) July 16, 2018
Sandin’s Contract & Plans For Next Season
CapFriendly.com tweeted out Sandin’s contract yesterday. CapFriendly.com stated that Sandin would earn $925,000 USD AAV. Please note that Sandin only earns $925,000 USD if he’s playing in the NHL. If Sandin plays in the AHL, he’ll take home $70,000 USD before taxes.
The Toronto Maple #Leafs have signed their 2018 first round pick (29th overall), Rasmus Sandin:
— CapFriendly (@CapFriendly) July 16, 2018
3 year ELC / $925K cap hit / $925K AAV
2018-19: $832.5k Base + $92.5k SB
2019-20: $832.5k Base + $92.5k SB
2020-21: $832.5k Base + $92.5k SB
*No P. Bonuseshttps://t.co/NUXxujQ4JT pic.twitter.com/7F1gkyC0te
With Sandin officially signed, he’s got a few options to choose from for next season. Sandin can return to Sault Ste. Marie, join the Toronto Marlies or play for Rögle BK in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL).
If I were in Sandin’s skates, I’d stay in North America. If Sandin returned to Sweden it could potentially stunt his development. I’m not trying to insult the SHL. The SHL has been great in developing hockey players. The issue would be that the style of play in the SHL is far different from the OHL, AHL and the NHL. So, if Sandin returned to Sweden, it would impact his NHL ETA.
If I was a betting man, I’d bet that Sandin is playing with the Toronto Marlies next season. Depending on how pre-season shakes out, he could be potentially playing with fellow Swede and fellow former first round pick, Timothy Liljegren.
Not only would Sandin potentially be alongside his fellow countryman, but he’d be coached by Keefe. Keefe has done a great job with the Toronto Marlies and has been able to successfully develop many Swedish and Scandinavian players including Kasperi Kapanen and Andreas Johnsson.
Next: Leafs Top Prospects Part 2
At the end of the day, the decision on where Sandin plays is not in our hands. It’s up to Sandin and the Toronto Maple Leafs front office, but in my opinion, the Toronto Marlies would be the best fit for him.
stats from eliteprospects.com, research from wikipedia.com