Toronto Maple Leafs: Sandin sent to Marlies, camp roster trimmed further
By James Reeve
The Toronto Maple Leafs announced on Wednesday that defenceman Rasmus Sandin has been loaned to AHL affiliates the Toronto Marlies.
The decision to send Sandin down to the Marlies comes after the 2018 first-round draft pick impressed during the Toronto Maple Leafs‘ pre-season series, particularly when paired with fellow Swede Timothy Liljegren.
Sandin’s assignment should give fans hope that he will stick around in the AHL, although the team’s 29th overall pick this year could still be assigned to Rögle BK of the SHL or even return to major juniors.
Sandin had a strong camp with the Leafs. TOR will see how he fares in AHL games before deciding where he will be assigned this season. AHL, SHL (SWE) or SSM (OHL), all three remain in play. https://t.co/zAe4cFRC7b
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) September 26, 2018
The left-handed, 5-foot-11, 185 pounds defenceman spent last season on loan to the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds in the OHL, scoring 12 goals and earning 45 total points in 51 regular season games.
Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas used his familiarity with the Greyhounds organisation when deciding to pick Sandin, and the early signs suggest the organisation has another top blue-line prospect to develop alongside Liljegren.
The Toronto Maple Leafs also sent Andrew Nielsen back down to the Marlies, with the 2015 third-round pick’s chances at making the team seemingly slipping away.
Nielsen appeared to be developing into a nice defensive prospect for the Maple Leafs, improving his point production from 24 to 70 the season following his selection.
The former Lethbridge Hurricane then earned an impressive 39 points (14 goals and 25 assists) in 74 games with the Marlies, but saw his numbers drop to 26 (six goals and 20 assists) in 65 games during last season’s Calder Cup-winning campaign.
The @MapleLeafs announced today that defencemen Andrew Nielsen and Rasmus Sandin have been loaned to the @TorontoMarles while forward Semyon Der-Arguchintsev has been loaned to Peterborough (OHL).
— Leafs PR (@LeafsPR) September 26, 2018
Nielsen has been overtaken by the likes of Travis Dermott and Liljegren and could find himself also behind Sandin in the Marlies’ line-up.
The Toronto Maple Leafs also announced that Semyon Der-Aguchintsev has been sent back to the minors, where he will continue to play for the Peterborough Petes in the OHL.
Der-Aguchintsev impressed greatly this summer and was rewarded with an entry-level contract, something few third-round picks earn just months after being drafted.
His progress in the OHL will be watched closely by all associated with the Leafs and will be another optimistic talking point for a franchise that is finally establishing itself as one of the best in the league after so many years of hurt.
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Leafs Nation, what do you think of the team’s decision to re-assign Sandin, Nielsen and Der-Aguchintsev? Are you pleased to see Sandin stick around in the AHL this season instead of returning to Sweden? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!