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The Most Surprising Players at the Toronto Maple Leafs Training Camp

By Mark VanderLugt

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) /
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LAVAL, QC – NOVEMBER 13: Look on Toronto Marlies defenceman Rasmus Sandin (8) during the Toronto Marlies versus the Laval Rocket game on November 13, 2018, at Place Bell in Laval, QC (Photo by David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Rasmus Sandin (5’11, 183lbs, Uppsala, Sweden, Left Defence)

When Rasmus Sandin was first drafted, there were some skepticism towards the pick.

Some people thought former Soo Greyhounds GM,  Dubas was just going with a “homer” pick, seeing as Sandin played junior hockey for the Soo Greyhounds. Dubas developed his hockey acumen through the Soo, so Dubas was able to maximize his intel on Sandin, that draft year.

Fast forward a year later, Dubas looks like a genius for taking Sandin. Now thought as a potential top 4 defenceman , Sandin plays a precision based game, as he takes calculated risks.

Sandin may only be 5’11, but he is certainly sturdy enough to withstand heavy forecheckers, as he has a smart stick and has  a great centre of  gravity.

At times it’s as if Sandin plays with ice in his veins, it’s easy to forget that he’s just 19. Looking at his training camp thus far, he has only solidified his case to be on the Leafs opening lineup, October 2nd.

Not only was Sandin a shoe-in to make the team since last week, but Babcock named him as his fifth best option during a press conference.  He’s going to be a good one.

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