What is holding up the Rasmus Sandin contract? It's one of several possible scenarios
We've reached the middle of August and Leafs' 2018 first round pick Rasmus Sandin is still without a contract. Sandin emerged as a full time NHL defenseman last season before a despicable hit from Winnipeg's Neal Pionk left him with a knee injury that derailed his season. Sandin's status as an RFA leaves him open to offer sheets, but I don't see one happening in this case. If it was going to happen, it would have happened already.
There are several theories floating around that may explain the lack of a new deal for the young Swede. The first is that the contract has already been negotiated, but the Leafs don't want to announce it yet. Cap space is at a premium this year and being over the cap would put the Leafs at a disadvantage during trade talks. The Leafs currently have 9 NHL defencemen if you include Sandin, so we know there is a move coming.
Another theory is that the aforementioned move on defense includes Sandin going the other way. The Leafs are rumoured to be in on Jacob Chychrun and a young defender like Sandin could be a key piece in making it happen. Sandin doesn't want to play on the right side and Dubas doesn't want him there. Chychrun is a marquee defender who can play either side. His $4.6M cap hit is extremely affordable compared to the value he brings on the ice. Adding Chychrun could take the Leafs from being a good team to being a great team.
The final, and funniest theory, is that it's all Lou Lamoriello's fault. Lou is notorious for waiting until the last minute to announce contracts. Notable RFA defensemen Noah Dobson and Alex Romanov are both comparables for Sandin. His camp may simply be waiting for those deals to be announced hoping they can use them as leverage to ask for more money from the Leafs.
No matter the outcome, there is something brewing in Leaf Land. Whether it's Sandin being moved or players moving out to make room for him, this off season is far from over for Kyle Dubas.
| POLL | ||
AOUT 16 | 257 ANSWERS What is holding up the Rasmus Sandin contract? It's one of several possible scenarios Will Rasmus Sandin have a career year in 2022-23? | ||
| Yes | 107 | 41.6 % |
| No | 150 | 58.4 % |
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