Babcock pulls the reins in on rookie Sandin

Toronto Maple Leafs fans and media have been watching the team’s preseason games closely in an attempt to sort out who head coach Mike Babcock plans on adding to his regular roster.

In particular, the media seems to have really honed in on rookie Rasmus Sandin, the 19 year old whom the Leafs selected 29th overall in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. Sandin has impressed in training camp and had a solid season with the AHL’s Toronto Marlies last season, putting up six goals and 28 points in 44 games.

But, is he ready for the NHL? Babcock warns not to get too excited just yet.

Check it out:

Babcock warns not to assume Rasmus Sandin has made the club: "Let's not get ahead of ourselves.... Nothing's decided. I mean, Matthews and Tavares are going to make the team."
— luke fox (@lukefoxjukebox) September 23, 2019

With sophomore Travis Dermott on the injured reserve for at least another month, there’s a real shot for Sandin to crack the opening night roster but he’ll be up against some more veteran players. Jordan Schmaltz, Justin Holl, Ben Harpur and Martin Marincin are all vying for the same spot. Marincin, in particular, seems to have caught Babcock’s eye:

Mike Babcock on Martin Marincin: "He’s gotten thicker and thicker and more and more confident. He sure looks like he wants to play for the Leafs."
— luke fox (@lukefoxjukebox) September 23, 2019