The Toronto Maple Leafs continued to get their summer housekeeping done, as late Sunday night they signed 2018 first round pick Rasmus Sandin to a three-year entry level contract.
Sandin was selected 29th overall at the NHL Draft in Dallas last month after trading down four slots to add an extra third round pick with the St. Louis Blues.
The 18-year-old Swede had 45 points (12 goals, 33 assists) in 51 games for the Soo Greyhounds and was the highest scoring rookie defenseman in the Ontario Hockey League last season.
So proud and honored to sign my first NHL contract. Thanks to all the people around for helping me with everything. Teammates, Coaches, Staff, Friends, Agents and family. You are special! Exited for this opportunity! @MapleLeafshttps://t.co/W9poU0Y0gV
“We picked the player that our scouts had as the best player on our board.” Leafs GM Kyle Dubas said of Sandin. “Playing in the Soo allows me some greater familiarity with people and greater insights into people and we are fortunate in that regard. We are happy that we got a guy we wanted.”
Sandin was described as a “well rounded defender with good mobility, who shows good possession skills where he confidently handles the puck and makes strong decisions.” said Hockey Prospect.com’s Mark Edwards. (Sandin is) a capable puck carrier with good footwork, his ability to see the ice and lead transition with an great first pass that allows him to thrive. Rasmus possesses excellent edge work and can effortlessly elude an opponent showing poise and strong footwork.”
At the Leafs Development Camp last month, Sandin indicated that he would be playing for Sweden in the World Junior Summer Showcase in Kamloops, BC later this month, with the goal of playing for his country at the 2019 World Junior in Vancouver in December, but his agent indicated last week that the 18-yearold would not be heading to British Columbia.
Now signed to a professional contract, the question foremost is where Sandin will play next season. He was loaned by Rogle BK to play in the OHL last season and has a year remaining on his Swedish Hockey League contract. If he returns to the SHL club, it might improve his chances of being selected for the WJC. One option is remaining with the Soo another year, who appear well positioned to be a powerhouse in the OHL with Flyers first rounder Morgan Frost and 2018 Coyotes top pick Barrett Hayton returning.
2018 top pick Rasmus Sandin at the #Leafs Development Camp last month. The 18-year-old signed his three-year ELC with Toronto on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/qrMHl9LEnV
Another possibility is playing for the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League, which 2017 top pick Timothy Liljegren did as an 18-year-old last season. Dubas indicated after selecting Sandin in Dallas that a decision will be formulated after the Leafs rookie tournament in September.
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