Sandin has been out for a few weeks with a knee injury, which came at a time when he was playing his best hockey of the season. It was noted that he would be out "weeks" at the time of the injury, but there had been no updates since, so this is a welcomed sight to see.
Sandin is still likely at least a week or two away from rejoining the team for game action and Toronto's now crowded blue line. Once he is cleared, it will be interesting to see how Keefe manages the pairings and who comes out to get Sandin into a few games before playoffs.
The same can be said for Kase, who looked to have suffered another concussion. Given his history of concussions, it would not be surprising if he does not return before the playoffs. The Leafs set a precedent with Muzzin's latest concussion, giving him 20 games off to recover.
With the Leafs' forward group playing as well as they have been, there is no need to rush Kase back into the lineup. It is possible they get him into one of the last regular season games just to get his legs back, but don't expect to see him in the lineup over the next couple weeks.
POLL | ||
6 AVRIL | 250 ANSWERS Updates on Rasmus Sandin and Ondrej Kase Will Kase and Sandin return before the end of the season? | ||
Yes | 121 | 48.4 % |
No | 35 | 14 % |
Kase, not Sandin | 36 | 14.4 % |
Sandin, not Kase | 58 | 23.2 % |
List of polls |