The Toronto Maple Leafs released their preseason game roster against Montreal night.
Early this morning the Toronto Maple Leafs released tonight’s roster for their pre-season game in and against Montreal. The biggest player absent from that roster was Toronto Maple Leafs prospect, Rasmus Sandin.
It’s likely the players that are on the roster for tonight’s pre-season game are still battling for an opening night spot on the roster. Meaning Mike Babcock has seen enough of Sandin and has made his decision.
This morning the Toronto Maple Leafs practiced, with what could be called the likely opening night line-up, with Sandin on the third pairing along Marincin. Almost certainly confirming the suspicions Sandin will make the opening night roster.
Rasmus Sandin
Sandin played for the Toronto Marlies during the 2018-2019 season, after the Toronto Maple Leafs drafted him 29th overall in the 2018 NHL draft.
During his stint with the Marlies, Sandin impressed with his play on the ice tallying 28 points in 44 regular-season games. In 13 Calder Cup Playoff appearances, Sandin tallied 10 assists, helping the Marlies reach the Eastern Conference finals. (per AHL.com).
During the time Sandin was on the ice this preseason, the Toronto Maple Leafs were better for it. Posting positive numbers when it comes to controlling shots (56.52%) and neutral numbers when it comes to scoring chances (50%). (Per naturalsttatrick).
An interesting statistic from his time spent on the ice with the Matthews line is that they were better with the Sandin-Marincin pairing compared to any other pairing. Posting an impressive 90% scoring chances for against 72.73% scoring chances for without Sandin on the ice. (Per naturalstattrick).
Opening Night Roster
In absence of Travis Dermott due to an injury, Sandin is without a doubt the 4th best defenseman the Toronto Maple Leafs currently have behind Rielly, Barrie, and Muzzin.
For me, it’s not a question whether Sandin will be on the third pairing during the opening night, it’s rather the question with who? Despite being paired with Marincin during practice so far, don’t sleep on Liljegren just yet.
With a pairing of Sandin-Liljegren, the Toronto Maple Leafs would arguably have the most talented third defensive pairing in the league. It’s a nice thought, but Liljegren appears destined to go back to the AHL to start the year.
For anyone worrying that the Toronto Maple Leafs most likely lose Muzzin and Barrie to free agency and the end of the season, don’t lose too much sleep over it, with Sandin the Toronto Maple Leafs have a top 4 defenseman already in their system.