Leafs pressing star prospect to enter lineup because of blue line woes

The Toronto Maple Leafs 2018 first-round pick Rasmus Sandin is turning heads no doubt. 

However, is he really ready to be pushed in the Maple Leafs' lineup, to come and be the saviour as Toronto is struggling with winning games in the last stretch and seeing blue liners getting sidelined with injuries? 

According to NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman, who commented on the situation in his latest 31 Thoughts article on Sportsnet, the Maple Leafs might consider bringing Sandin in the lineup. However, he notes that the Canadian team needs to make sure the kid is ready and not jeopardize his development. 

"With all of Toronto’s injuries on the blue line, there were rumblings the Maple Leafs might give 2018 first-rounder Rasmus Sandin a look. But it doesn’t sound like that will occur. I’d love to see a game or two, but if he’s not ready, no rush," writes Friedman. 

Let's hope the Leafs don't force him into the lineup if the kid isn't ready. After all, he is a very promising prospect moving forward, but too many times we have seen players being rushed into the big league and losing their confidence. 

Some might say that Sandin is quite mature for his age: according to Friedman's colleague from Sportsnet Luke Fox, he is used to living by himself because he’s done so since age 15 in Sweden and recently moved out of a Toronto hotel and into a downtown apartment. 

However, the kid is too much of a good thing for Toronto. 

And we all know never to rush a good thing, especially one like Sandin.