Toronto Maple Leafs: 4 Draft Targets – April Update
By Austin Owens
Rasmus Sandin, Defence, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL)
It’s been quite a year for Sandin. The Swedish defenceman started the season playing for Rögle BK in the SHL as an 18-year-old. He featured in only five games for the team while they were short of bodies due to injury.
When those members returned, Rögle knew they could not give Sandin the playing time he deserved, so they allowed him to go to North America to play for Sault Ste. Marie, who drafted him 52nd overall in the 2017 CHL Import Draft.
This may have been one of the most important moves for both him and the OHL-best Greyhounds, as Sandin has led the way for the Soo on the backend this season.
With top defenceman Conor Timmins missing a big chunk of the season due to injury as well as the World Junior Championships, Sandin was able to showcase himself to scouts, becoming the top dog on the Greyhounds blueline.
During the season, Sandin appeared in 51 games, and had 12 goals and 45 points, while taking 24 minutes in penalties.
Sandin will have a long run in these playoffs with the Greyhounds. They had the best record by far in the OHL this season and ran through Saginaw in four games during the first round of the OHL playoffs. Sandin played in all four games, finishing with a goal and two assists.
For a breakdown of the Swedish defender, here are some quick words from various draft analysts:
"Even with the Conor Timmins (COL) injury the ‘Hounds have not skipped a beat on the blue line mainly due to Sandin’s work. Plays tough minutes in all situations. – Jeff Marek, Sportsnet"
The Soo is likely headed for the MasterCard Memorial Cup, which would be huge for the young players on the team to gain experience.
Sandin has a polished look to his game and could very well be gone before the Toronto Maple Leafs have a chance to pick. If he’s still there, he should be someone who is high on the draft board for Toronto.