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Toronto Maple Leafs: Rasmus Sandin Dominating in AHL So Far

By Nick Barden

HERSHEY, PA - MARCH 15: Toronto Marlies defenseman Rasmus Sandin (8) waits for a face-off during the Toronto Marlies vs. the Hershey Bears AHL hockey game March 15, 2019 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo by Randy Litzinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
HERSHEY, PA - MARCH 15: Toronto Marlies defenseman Rasmus Sandin (8) waits for a face-off during the Toronto Marlies vs. the Hershey Bears AHL hockey game March 15, 2019 at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA. (Photo by Randy Litzinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Since being cut from the Toronto Maple Leafs, Rasmus Sandin has been dominant with the Marlies.

When the 19-year-old was sent down by the Toronto Maple Leafs, a lot of people thought it was the wrong decision. It was most likely a blessing in disguise.

If the Toronto Maple Leafs kept Sandin with the team, it would’ve burned one year of his entry-level contract. He also wouldn’t have got much playing time being on the third pairing.

So far, Sandin has been dominating with the Marlies putting up seven points in seven games (as a defenseman).

Of course he’s probably ready for an NHL gig, but do you really want him playing third pairing minutes?

I don’t.

Right now his development is more important than putting him on a Toronto Maple Leafs team that is struggling.

Imagine if he was still up with the Leafs? It would be horrible.

What should the Toronto Maple Leafs do with Sandin?

Wait as long as possible because experience matters more than anything.

If the Marlies go on another Calder Cup run (which they can with the team they have) that’s key experience for Sandin.

Along with that — he can learn from his mistakes in the AHL before coming up to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

He’s also only 19. There’s no need to rush a player like that while he’s still very young.

Another reason is that he gets to play with Timothy Liljegren.

Both players will likely be key pieces on the blue line in the future for the Toronto Maple Leafs, so why not develop the chemistry now?

Liljegren has been involved in two of Sandin’s seven points so far. While it’s not many, it’s because three of the seven points have come on the power play, where Liljegren is on the 2nd unit.

It will be good for the pair to develop chemistry together. Once they come to the NHL as full-timers, they’ll be groomed and they won’t miss a beat (hopefully).

But for now — it’s definitely best for Sandin and Liljegren to stay on the Marlies as long as possible. Get more ice time, more power play and penalty kill time, then maybe get a late call up in the spring.

Next. Toronto Maple Leafs: November Prospect Update Vol. 1 – CHL. dark

If one of them doesn’t get called up by the end of February or beginning of March, they will probably be full-time players next year, if they continue their play as of late.

They both will be in the NHL some day, just not yet. It’s not because they’re not ready, but because they just need more time.

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