D; Rasmus Sandin, 19, 5’11, 183- AHL (GP; 19, G;2, A;10, PTS;12)
Having been loaned to Sweden’s world junior roster, Leafs Nation will get a taste of how Sandin could look amongst boys. Sandin has shown an ability to post an insane number of minutes from game to game, as he will be relied upon heavily on Sweden.
Sandin has shown that he can dominate the lower levels, using his smarts and skill. Rasmus isn’t a speedster by any means, but has a superior understanding of how each play will unfold, to allow him time and space.
Sandin plays a style and way that makes it look easy to play 25+ minutes a night and not break a sweat. Sandin is calm under pressure and knows when to jump into a rush or to hold back.
This past pre-season, Sandin looked so good that he forced management’s hand into keeping him on the Leafs. After 6 games with the Leafs, Sandin began to wear down, being sent down to the Marlies, where he has 12 points in 19 games.
It should be noted, Sandin was put into difficult minutes in the NHL, having 58% of his zone starts in the defensive zone. With these starts, Sandin managed to have a positive corsi of 59.5%
Sandin has now proven that last season was no fluke, he is able to handle and dominate the AHL. Given his age of 19 years old, it seems as if the sky’s the limit for Sandin at this point. Right now Sandin needs to become stronger and gain more experience, he will be in the NHL sooner than later.
ETA; 2020-21, could be a deadline call up
Potential; Top 4 defenseman, who can step into a top pairing role and provide valuable minutes. Rasmus has a high IQ when moving the puck, using his mobility and agility to evade forecheckers. Has special teams abilities as well.