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Toronto Maple Leafs prospect update: Rasmus Sandin scores in debut

By David Morassutti

TORONTO,ON - SEPTEMBER 21: Rasmus Sandin #78 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates against the Buffalo Sabres during an NHL pre-season game at Scotiabank Arena on September 21, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Sabres 5-3. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
TORONTO,ON - SEPTEMBER 21: Rasmus Sandin #78 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates against the Buffalo Sabres during an NHL pre-season game at Scotiabank Arena on September 21, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Sabres 5-3. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /
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Marlies sorting through various roster changes to start the season

Sheldon Keefe has played a crucial part in the Leafs success and as long as he remains the head coach of the Marlies, Kyle Dubas and Mike Babcock will continue to rely on him to keep that success going.

It’s always tough to win in the AHL but to do it while developing the next wave of NHL players is no easy accomplishment. That’s what made winning the Calder Cup an impressive achievement and a tough act to follow.

Gone from last year’s championship team are Kasperi Kapanen (only played during the AHL regular season) Andreas (playoff MVP), Garret Sparks, Travis Dermott, Justin Holl, Martin Marincin, Frederik Gauthier, Calvin Pickard, Miro Aaltonen, Ben Smith and many others. Based on the roster turnover, it is understandable why the Marlies have struggled to find their game early on in the season.

The biggest change from last season has been the goaltending with Sparks and Pickard gone leaving Kasimir Kaskisuo, and Jeff Glass to lead the way between the pipes.

After a tough start to the season, the Marlies have won three straight at home to pull their record to 4-4-0-1 to start the season.

When it comes to prospects, the Marlies don’t have many as many highly touted forwards than in past seasons but still some intriguing names to keep an eye on.

Trevor Moore leads the team with seven goals and three assists in nine games as he continues to make his case to be on the Leafs radar down the road. Carl Grundstrom isn’t too far behind with eight points in seven games.

Although he is not a member of the Leafs, Sam Gagner has been a great veteran presence while contributing eight points in nine games after he was waived by the Vancouver Canucks.

It will take some time for the Marlies to navigate through the various changes but they have enough talent and experience to get by but their success still hinges on how their goaltending tandem plays.

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