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Toronto Maple Leafs Roundtable: Most Likely To Have A Breakout Season

ByWilbert Timmermans|
TORONTO, ONTARIO - OCTOBER 7: Matt Martin #15 and Mitchell Marner #16 of the Toronto Maple Leafs smile during player introductions prior to the game against the New York Rangers October 7, 2017 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/NHLI via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ONTARIO - OCTOBER 7: Matt Martin #15 and Mitchell Marner #16 of the Toronto Maple Leafs smile during player introductions prior to the game against the New York Rangers October 7, 2017 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/NHLI via Getty Images)
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TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 25: Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Rasmus Sandin (38) reacts during warm-up before the NHL Preseason game between the Montreal Canadiens and the Toronto Maple Leafs on September 25, 2019, at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, ON, Canada. (Photo by Julian Avram/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 25: Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Rasmus Sandin (38) reacts during warm-up before the NHL Preseason game between the Montreal Canadiens and the Toronto Maple Leafs on September 25, 2019, at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, ON, Canada. (Photo by Julian Avram/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Peri Gallacher

A young versatile defenseman? Say no more, Rasmus Sandin is undoubtedly on his way to a breakout season with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The 2018 NHL entry draft saw the Leafs pick up the now 19-year-old defenseman Sandin in the first round, 29th overall.

He proceeded on to play 46 games with AHL affiliate, the Toronto Marlies and helped carry them into the Eastern Conference finals with 10 assists in 13 games; an accomplishment nearly unheard of for such a young player in his first year of AHL level hockey- it’s obvious he has the skill and know-how to be able to play up top.

The 5’11 player has taken several large jumps in the past three years, originating in the Swedish under 20 league, to the Soo Greyhounds in the OHL, then to the AHL and finally, his nearly guaranteed position in the Leaf’s roster; he’s proven to be easy to adapt to different levels of play, not once faltering and seeming calm cool and collected even in facing long time NHL’ers in the preseason.

Sandin didn’t seem to miss a beat in any appearances and strengthened the line up immeasurably. The songs of praise from teammates, and even Babcock have been unparalleled following his performances on the ice. Fellow Swedish teammate, William Nylander seems to have taken him under his wing in the offseason after being in the same skate group and has continuously spoken highly of the league rookie.

It’s pretty obvious at this point, mere days from the season opener, that Sandin will be seen in the line-up in place of Travis Dermott for at least the first month and if things go well, potentially thereafter, giving him lots of time up top to learn his role with the team. It’s also to be said that the likelihood of either Barrie or Muzzin returning next season are unlikely so developing Sandin in the league and giving him NHL experience will only better their top 4 defensive lineups in the 2020-2021 season.

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