Leafs coach Babcock basically confirms Sandin will make opening-night roster
Toronto Maple Leafs defensive prospect Rasmus Sandin has put forward an impressive preseason, and it looks as though he’s earned himself a spot on the NHL roster.
After the team’s 5-0 preseason win over the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday night, head coach Mike Babcock all but confirmed the 19-year-old will start the year in the big leagues.
ENTER SANDMAN
Babcock on D: "What we got basically is we got about 10 guys there (in the mix). We got four (Muzzin, Barrie, Rielly, Ceci), well I think Sandin & then we got to figure out what we're going to do. We're in there doing that now & grinding away & debating." https://t.co/3xpJVMJmSv— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) September 29, 2019
After stating that the team has four spots solidified, Babcock then added Sandin’s name immediately to the mix.
The Swedish blueliner was the club’s first-round selection in the 2018 NHL Draft. He proved to be a solid contributor on the Toronto Marlies last season, posting six goals and 28 points through 44 contests. In the post-season, he added 10 assists in 13 games.
After an off-season that saw the Buds lose three regulars in Nikita Zaitsev, Jake Gardiner and Ron Hainsey on the back-end, Sandin’s positive preseason performance seemingly gives the club a solid option that can help fill the holes.
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