Toronto Maple Leafs: Ranking Kyle Dubas Top 5 Moves as Leafs GM
No. 3: Trading Down for Rasmus Sandin
On draft night of the 2018 NHL draft, the Leafs were scheduled to pick 25th overall. Not seeing anyone he particularly loved at that spot, Dubas elected to trade down and pick up an extra draft pick in the process. The Leafs acquired St. Louis’ 29th overall pick and a third-round pick in exchange for the 25th overall pick. With that 29th overall pick, Toronto was able to nab Swedish defensemen, Rasmus Sandin.
In his two years since draft night, Sandin has put on an absolute clinic in the Leafs organization. In his first professional season with the Marlies, Sandin was 5th in rookie defensemen points per game. This past season, as an assistant captain, Sandin backboned the Swedish blueline to bronze medal at the World Junior Championships, finishing fifth in tournament points – first among defensemen – and as many points as projected 1st overall pick Alexis Lafrenière. Sandin’s tremendous play allowed him to capture the tournaments ‘Best Defensemen’ award.
Sandin also loves to play well above his height and weight. This clip from a game against the Vancouver Canucks is indicative of just how fearless this young kid is.
Rasmus Sandin lines up his man and gets the big hit pic.twitter.com/dtlbYYF0L2
— Omar (@TicTacTOmar) March 1, 2020
Similarly, at just 187 lbs, Sandin is very strong for someone his weight. This clip of him absorbing a hit from 6′ 2″, 210 lbs Jamie Benn, under pressure, and still able to make the outlet pass shows just how highly skilled the youngster is.
Rasmus Sandin with his thicc self takes the hit from Jaime Benn and makes the pass pic.twitter.com/tyXN9XJyN6
— Omar (@TicTacTOmar) January 30, 2020
At just 20-years-old, Rasmus Sandin’s ceiling is extremely high. With Travis Dermott most likely leaving the organization this offseason, the door is open for Sandin to solidify his spot in the Leafs top six.