The Toronto Maple Leafs announced Thursday that they have agreed to a two-year, $2.8-million contract with defenceman Rasmus Sandin.
Opportunity and ice time were always interlaced in Rasmus Sandin’s lengthy contractual deadlock with the Toronto Maple Leafs, which ultimately ended Thursday morning with a two-year, $2.8-million bridge deal, signed eight days after training camp’s opening.
The deal comes at a perfect time, a time when the Maple Leafs are struggling in the defensive category due to a number of preseason injuries already. This definitely opens the door for Sandin to start off the season in a more secure role and an opportunity to further prove his worth.
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Rasmus Sandin records in the ice so far
Sandin, 22, recorded 16 points (five goals, 11 assists) in 51 games with the Maple Leafs during the 2021-22 season. The Uppsala, Sweden native has posted 28 points (six goals, 22 assists) through 88 career regular season games with Toronto while adding one goal in five career playoff appearances. The Leafs selected Sandin 29th overall in the 2018 NHL Draft.
Previously, Sandin skated in 66 regular season AHL games with the Toronto Marlies (2018-21) where he recorded 43 points (eight goals, 35 assists) and collected 10 assists in 13 games during the 2019 Calder Cup Playoffs. Further, Sandin was named in the North Division roster of the 2020 AHL All-Star Classic.
Internationally, Sandin has represented Sweden on several occasions including capturing a bronze medal at the 2020 IIHF World Junior Championship. Sandin served as an assistant captain of the team and led all defencemen in the tournament with 10 points (three goals, seven assists) in seven games. He was named to the tournament’s All-Star Team.
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