3 Toronto Maple Leafs Who Should Be Worried About Job Security

No. 2: Travis Dermott

Who’s Out? Travis Dermott

Who’s In? Rasmus Sandin or Ben Hutton

The Toronto Maple Leafs defensive pairings were the most consistent part of this roster until a week ago. Due to a Zach Bogosian freak injury, Toronto had to switch up their pairings and call up Rasmus Sandin to fill the void.

After going through a foot injury earlier in the season with the Toronto Marlies, it felt like Sandin’s Leafs hopes were done for the year. It seemed that he’d nurse that injury, continue to play in the AHL to develop and then compete for a job at training camp next fall.

However, the Bogosian injury, and quick rehab from his own injury, changed that path in a hurry.

Sandin has only played in three games since the Bogosian injury, but it’s clear he’s an NHL caliber defenseman. It’s crazy to think that people were putting Sandin in hypothetical trades a few weeks ago, because he’s the real deal and should be apart of this blue-line for a long time.

No mater how well Dermott and Sandin play in Bogosian’s absence, the veteran is still likely to get his job back as the right side’s third-pairing defenseman when he returns. As a result, it’ll leave one spot open for two defenseman.

Even though Dermott has more experience than Sandin, at this rate, it feels like Sandin could steal Dermott’s job away from him.

Dermott is obviously a fine defenseman, but as the sixth best defenseman, Sandin can provide more upside. Both are great skaters, but Sandin is able to quarterback a powerplay and walk the line beautifully, which is something Dermott doesn’t do.

As a result, Sandin could find his way into meaningful games for Toronto, after it looked like his Leafs hopes could be finished this season.