Toronto Maple Leafs Demote Rasmus Sandin + Travis Dermott Almost Back

The Toronto Maple Leafs have sent Rasmus Sandin to the AHL.

For the Toronto Maple Leafs, it is a disappointing, but unsurprising move.

Kevin Gravel has been recalled from the Marlies in a corresponding move.

Additionally, Travis Dermott is practicing in a normal jersey and could be getting close to a return.

Toronto Maple Leafs and Rasmus Sandin

The demotion of Sandin is understandable, but I still don’t like it. As a fan, I really enjoy watching the Leafs top prospect in action, even if it’s limited.

Sandin has played well, and I think a much better move would have been to promote him to play with Morgan Rielly, since they’re letting the Barrie/Muzzin pairing take all the tough minutes anyways.

Ceci has been a positive when he has the puck, and an absolute disaster when he doesn’t.  Pairing two such similar defenseman (Ceci is like the AHL Rielly) hasn’t had a positive effect on Morgan Rielly.

To say the least.

If, however, Travis Dermott is ready to come back, then perhaps he will get Ceci’s spot, and Ceci can play on the third pairing where his talent will be more in line with his job.

I don’t think there’s anyone in the world qualified to say that would argue against the idea of Travis Dermott in the top four.  Except perhaps Mike Babcock, ’cause you never know what that wacky cat is thinking.

I understand the reasoning that Sandin should be getting 24 minute a night in the AHL vs 12 in the NHL, especially since he is going to get special teams minutes there that he won’t in the NHL.

At the same time, Sandin is very clearly an NHL defenseman, and he’s been the Leafs #5 while Justin Holl and Martin “Fan Favorite” Marincin rotate in and out of the lineup.

Sandin – in his six game audition – posted a 56% puck possession rating, while getting 55% of the shot-share, a positive expected goal rating, and 56% of the scoring chances while on the ice. (All stats from naturalstattrick.com).

That’s in a limited, bottom pairing role, but it’s still a nice start to his NHL career.  He’s got three games left until he burns a year of his entry-level contract, so that is also probably a factor.

Still, Sandin makes the Leafs better, as he has proven superior to all but three of their active defensemen.  The move is surprising, but definitely understandable.

The interesting thing to see is where Travis Dermott fits in when he comes back. Ultimately, the difference between most third pairings in the NHL is basically nothing.  A Sandin/Dermott pairing would have been among the best in the league – but at 12 minute per night, what’s the point?

Dermott needs to be in the top four, and for now, that means Sandin is best served in the AHL, even if it’s not exactly what we’d prefer, as fans, to see.