Former Leafs defenseman Rasmus Sandin left today's Team Sweden vs. Team USA matchup at the IIHF 2023 World Championship tournament after an apparent knee injury. Only minutes into the game, Team USA (and Tampa Bay Lightning) forward Michael Eyssimont collided with Sandin while the Swede was trying to clear the puck out of the defensive zone. Sandin could not put weight on his left knee following the collision and did not return to the game.
As a result of the hit, after being reviewed by officials, Eyssimont received a five-minute major and ejection from the game.
This isn't Sandin's first knee/leg injury, either. He missed about a month and a half late in the 2021-2022 season for a similar injury before being cleared to participate in the Leafs' postseason run last May.
Sandin was acquired by the Washington Capitals from the Leafs just before this season's trade deadline in March. Of course, an offseason injury is a significant blow to any hockey player and their team, but if the injury is a substantial one, the Caps are will feel the loss on their blueline.
