The Toronto Maple Leafs start training camp in a few days and there are two young defensemen who could make the team.
Rasmus Sandin and Timothy Liljegren both are exceptional defensemen, who are both capable of making the Toronto Maple Leafs this season. It’s not a matter of if, but when they make the team.
Both players had impressive seasons with the Toronto Marlies last season. Since both suffered injuries, they only played just over 40 games. They did however, get a full playoff run in, which was exceptional.
The Marlies got to the fourth round of the AHL playoffs where they were eliminated by the Charlotte Checkers. Sandin enjoyed an incredible playoff run, putting up 10 assists in 13 games.
Liljegren also had a great playoff run, tallying 5 assists in the same amount of games. If both start next season with the Marlies, expect them to have career seasons in the AHL, and maybe receive the Travis Dermott treatment and get brought up halfway through the season.
What are the chances one, or both of these players make the team?
This all depends on how they play at training camp, and what the other players do as well. There are 10 players challenging for six spots on the Leafs defense, while maybe one or two will go to the press box.
I think it’s likely that one of Sandin, or Liljegren make the team out of camp. Once Travis Dermott returns from injury, roster changes will come along with it.
Kyle Dubas did say last season that Liljegren was going to be tested in the NHL, but after his injury, he didn’t get the chance. Maybe, he’ll get the first look in training camp, before Sandin.
You also have to remember that Sandin is still 19 years old. He’s got a lot of time to be ready for the NHL, and while it gets people excited to see rookies get the call that they make the team, it may be a bit rushed.
At his age, there’s still some time for development. The Toronto Maple Leafs may want him to stay in the AHL until after Christmas, when he could possibly get called up. They can have Liljegren hold a roster spot now, as he’s a right shot defenseman.
There’s also the chance that both players make the team out of training camp. Sandin could slot in on the left, and Liljegren on the right, and that’s your top six. But, that’s if the other six defensemen that are vying for a spot don’t make it.
Ladies and gentlemen get ready and get your popcorn. This training camp is going to be a fun one, we could have a Stanley Cup team in our hands by the end of it.