Breaking: Leafs make a call on rookie Sandin

According to a report from Toronto Maple Leafs blog Leafs Nation, 2018 first round draft choice (29th overall) Rasmus Sandin, currently playing with the Leafs’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate Toronto Marlies on loan from Rogle BK of the Swedish Hockey League (SHL), will remain in North America with the Marlies for the duration of the 2018-19 season.

Check it out:

Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Rasmus Sandin will be staying with the Toronto Marlies this season. 

Sandin is currently on loan from Rogle BK, but the Maple Leafs have no intention on returning him.

Sandin has been out of the lineup with a injury thumb since the preseason, but it’s expected that he’ll make his AHL debut in short order. The 18 year old blue liner actually played in North America last season, playing 51 games for the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), putting up an impressive 12 goals and 45 points.

Of course, the Leafs made a similar decision last season with 2017 first round pick (17th overall) Timothy Liljegren. While Liljegren was eligible to return to Timra IK of the SHL, he spent the entire season with the Marlies. Liljegren managed 17 points in 44 regular season games with the Marlies last year and was a big part of the team’s Calder Cup championship winning effort.

With any luck the Leafs will have two stud Swedes on the blue line for years to come as a result of this interesting development decision.