Why isn't Sandin getting a better shot?

[Ryan52]

False. He is an even better AHL player than Sandin and is arguably the better prospect. Tavares even called him out as one of the most impressive players in camp in an interview. He is also exempt from the expansion draft so he will be full time next year.

Better ahl player doesn't mean much when they've both got games in with the big club

 

[Stephen]

I can't say I like the

a) Dave Feschuk scandal angle in the above article.

b) the way the Leafs didn't just assign Sandin to Europe to get as many reps as possible during the autumn, extending into the WJC, NHL season and camp be damned.

c) the way Rasmus Sandin seems to have not taken serious steps to get ready and compete for an NHL job.

 

[IPS]

Leafs prospect Rasmus Sandin keeps a stiff upper lip, but he sure would like to play a game again | The Star

Evidently fed up with hearing about how they’re stifling the development of 20-year-old defenceman Rasmus Sandin, the Maple Leafs fired a few shots of their own in Sandin’s direction on Monday.

Sure, head coach Sheldon Keefe expressed a certain amount of sympathy for the plight of the promising 2018 first-round pick who hasn’t played in a hockey game in 328 days and counting. And Keefe went out of his way to insist he has “no doubt” that Sandin will emerge as an “everyday NHL player.” The problem is, with Sandin currently slotted as the eighth defenceman on Toronto’s depth chart — and with the Leafs dressing, at most, seven defenceman a night — the coach is loathe to say precisely when that day will come. In the interim, Keefe levelled some not-so-veiled criticism at Sandin, calling into question the Swede’s work ethic and overall professionalism in the midst of a global pandemic.

“We’ve really tried to prioritize with him (the importance of) using this time productively to maintain or really improve his work habits, and his time in the gym and his training in the gym and maturing his body and just learning what’s necessary to be an everyday NHL player, not just from a skill standpoint, but the habits that go into it,” Keefe said. “I think there’s some growth to be had there. We’ve spoken to him about that.”

Keefe continued, saying the blueliner still has plenty of off-ice learning to do: “It’s everything, when you take your gear off, what you’re doing to take care of yourself and improve yourself.”

Even if there’s some truth in Keefe’s words — because rare is the 20-year-old who is an unassailably consummate pro — it’s difficult to imagine Monday’s public talking-to went over well in Sandin’s camp. Speaking of gaping room for improvement, the Leafs clearly erred in declining to permit Sandin to play for Sweden in the world junior championship, insisting they required his services from the get-go of training camp on Jan. 3, even though the tournament wrapped up on Jan. 5. Now, along with depriving Sandin of what would have been an opportunity to dominate his peers — Sandin was named the tournament’s best defenceman the year before — the Leafs have decided to rap his knuckles with a public scolding. As if it wasn’t bad enough that Sandin was passed over for playing time in favour of Martin Marincin during the summertime play-in series loss to the Blue Jackets.

Not that you’d know any of this listening to Sandin. In a season of unrest around the NHL, where trade demands from disgruntled talent have been making headlines from Montreal to Calgary to Winnipeg, Sandin maintained a stiff upper lip during a brief Zoom media session Monday.

“I mean, it’s obviously a little frustrating,” Sandin said. “It was a very long time ago since I played a game. But we’re gonna hang in there. We’re having fun in practice. It’s great being with the guys again.”

A lot of this, to be fair, is out of the Leafs’ control. Under normal circumstances, the club would have the option of keeping Sandin sharp with the AHL Marlies. But precisely when the AHL is going to begin play, nobody can say for sure.

Still, the idea that Sandin was going to be hard-pressed to get playing time barring an early-season injury or two wasn’t exactly difficult to see coming. It was basically inevitable the Swede was going to find himself as the eighth defenceman to begin the season, what with no pre-season games to prove himself and a truncated training camp to boot. The Leafs were locked into a top four of Morgan Rielly, T.J. Brodie, Jake Muzzin and Justin Holl. They didn’t sign a veteran depth player like 30-year-old Zach Bogosian because they’re prioritizing development. And 24-year-old Travis Dermott, for all his stumbles, was essentially a lock on the third pair given he has played 128 more NHL games than Sandin.

On top of all that, the Leafs are essentially obligated to prioritize the ice time of free-agent newcomer Mikko Lehtonen ahead of Sandin, at least for a while. Lehtonen, after all, was a highly coveted commodity when the Leafs successfully recruited him from the KHL. So it’s important for any reputable organization, if it’s going to maintain its reputation for integrity in such negotiations, to follow through on its promises to players coming over from the continent. It’s hard to imagine they sold Lehtonen on Toronto with the promise of a season-long seat in the press box.

Yikes, that doesn't sound good...

 

[IPS]

b) the way the Leafs didn't just assign Sandin to Europe to get as many reps as possible during the autumn, extending into the WJC, NHL season and camp be damned.

The way they've f***ed Sandin around has been ridiculous. They also brought him into the playoffs last year (impeding his strength and conditioning program) only to completely waste his time.

 

[IPS]

Is Liljegren no longer in the Leafs plans/considered a bust at this point? There seems to be no discussion about him even sniffing a full-time roster spot even though he's now 21 and had several years to develop.

He had 11 games last year and looked absolutely awful. Mind you the team was a bit of a gong show when he got called up to play.

 

[Stephen]

The way they've f***ed Sandin around has been ridiculous. They also brought him into the playoffs last year (impeding his strength and conditioning program) only to completely waste his time.

It feels like Toronto gets a little too fussy with their blue chip prospects at times. The whole hype about Robertson also seemed unnecessary as well. The league is in such a strange place, just send these kids to wherever they can get the most reps and revisit them in 2021-22.

 

[Gallagbi]

The way they've f***ed Sandin around has been ridiculous. They also brought him into the playoffs last year (impeding his strength and conditioning program) only to completely waste his time.

Doesn't sound like they impeded anything from the quote above.

 

[IPS]

Doesn't sound like they impeded anything from the quote above.

Well if those really are issues he needs as much time as possible doing work in the gym.. they shouldn't have had him anywhere near the team if that's the case.

 

[Gallagbi]

Well if those really are issues he needs as much time as possible doing work in the gym.. they shouldn't have had him anywhere near the team if that's the case.

They should have had him around the pro's watching and working out. When they are with the team they have access to great facilities.

He's had more than enough time to build strength and conditioning between seasons

 

[Stephen]

They should have had him around the pro's watching and working out. When they are with the team they have access to great facilities.

He's had more than enough time to build strength and conditioning between seasons

The wisdom of the ages tells us that prospects who don’t get regular game with the pro team (because they aren’t ready) should be sent back to a lower level of play to develop their game against lower level competition, learn to dominate, learn to be depended on in different game situations, and come and try again the next year.

Not gym rat it up and hope their game is magically better when they get into a game situation again.

 

[LeafsNation75]

It feels like Toronto gets a little too fussy with their blue chip prospects at times. The whole hype about Robertson also seemed unnecessary as well. The league is in such a strange place, just send these kids to wherever they can get the most reps and revisit them in 2021-22.

I wonder how much of Robertson's hype coming into this season was the fact Toronto had traded away Kapanen and Johnsson, so he would have a much better chance at more playing time.

 

[Gallagbi]

The wisdom of the ages tells us that prospects who don’t get regular game with the pro team (because they aren’t ready) should be sent back to a lower level of play to develop their game against lower level competition, learn to dominate, learn to be depended on in different game situations, and come and try again the next year.

Not gym rat it up and hope their game is magically better when they get into a game situation again.

What league was playing during the NHL playoffs?

 

[Stephen]

What league was playing during the NHL playoffs?

Sandin (and Liljegren) could have spent time in the SHL this past fall, just like how Mikko Lehtonen was loaned to Jokerit in the KHL, even though he's a pro in his mid 20s who doesn't require development time.

 

[Gallagbi]

Sandin (and Liljegren) could have spent time in the SHL this past fall, just like how Mikko Lehtonen was loaned to Jokerit in the KHL, even though he's a pro in his mid 20s who doesn't require development time.

Agreed, but my response was about playoffs and that hindering his ability to strength and condition (which doesn't make any sense).

A guy like Lilj should 100% be playing, he's got little to no shot getting game action. Sandin is a little closer and I expect him to get some games, but not sure it'll be enough to make it worthwhile.

 

[Stephen]

Agreed, but my response was about playoffs and that hindering his ability to strength and condition (which doesn't make any sense).

A guy like Lilj should 100% be playing, he's got little to no shot getting game action. Sandin is a little closer and I expect him to get some games, but not sure it'll be enough to make it worthwhile.

For me, the play-in bubble isn't the biggest missed opportunity. The Leafs weren't in it that long and whether or not Sandin and Lily were getting ice time or working out, either is fine. Just when the European leagues were starting up there was a real missed opportunity to let the kids just resume play at a normal time, and get maybe 2 dozen league games under the belt. Better option in hindsight than waiting for the AHL, but what can you do. It's a global pandemic and nothing is normal.

 

[BertCorbeau]

Sandin (and Liljegren) could have spent time in the SHL this past fall, just like how Mikko Lehtonen was loaned to Jokerit in the KHL, even though he's a pro in his mid 20s who doesn't require development time.

It would have helped get their legs going and been a bit of a benefit but it’s not a make or break point in their development. They also still wouldn’t be playing now. Because the Leafs need the roster depth in case of injuries.

Strange times for developing players. Luckily the AHL should be going soon which will get them into game action. The Leafs have done well with their development so far.

 

[TMLAM34]

Sucks cause the Canadian AHL divisions start date is now postponed.

 

[IPS]

They should have had him around the pro's watching and working out. When they are with the team they have access to great facilities.

He's had more than enough time to build strength and conditioning between seasons

You clearly dont understand wjat was going on. He was told to stay in game shape.

 

[4thline]

When an article f***s up something as fundamental as a player being barred from playing in a tournament that they're not actually eligible to play in perhaps it's time to question if the author has a clue what they're talking about and throw out any story that they're trying to weave between the quotes and fabrications

 

[Gallagbi]

You clearly dont understand wjat was going on. He was told to stay in game shape.

Which is fine given the extended break he had to build strength. Conditioning would have been game level, so a non issue.

Most of these players aren't going into heavy strength programs all offseason.

Then layer on the comment about his questionable commitment from Keefe and it doesn't seem like any loss at all

 

[Gallagbi]

It would have helped get their legs going and been a bit of a benefit but it’s not a make or break point in their development. They also still wouldn’t be playing now. Because the Leafs need the roster depth in case of injuries.

Strange times for developing players. Luckily the AHL should be going soon which will get them into game action. The Leafs have done well with their development so far.

I would've kept Lilj overseas all year personally. Get back on a regular schedule.

Sandin is the wildcard

 

[Maplebeasts]

I would like to say Dave Feschuk is a moron hack who should never be trusted on anything when it comes to this team.

 

[SeaOfBlue]

Sandin (and Liljegren) could have spent time in the SHL this past fall, just like how Mikko Lehtonen was loaned to Jokerit in the KHL, even though he's a pro in his mid 20s who doesn't require development time.

SHL is not taking guys on temporary loans. If they went over, they stay there the entire year (see Seider). The Leafs did not want that, and I am sure neither did Sandin and Liljegren.

Lehtonen was actually a special case, probably because he was the league's best defenseman for Jokerit last year. They were fine having him for a little while even if left soon after. Teams weren't going to take Sandin and Liljegren for a few months, let them take away spots from guys who are there the entire year, and then see them leave in December. All of our other KHL guys have stayed over there for the rest of the year (even Korshkov, who could have challenged for a job with the Leafs).

They should take Keefe's advice and work on his off-ice habits. He didn't have many options outside of playing in a league like the Allsvenskan or Liiga, and that is not at his level...

 

[Future]

Personally, I think Keefe is bullshitting. He has to come up with a reason that sounds better than Dermott having seniority and that we made a commitment to Lehtonen.

 

[stickty111]

Leafs prospect Rasmus Sandin keeps a stiff upper lip, but he sure would like to play a game again | The Star

Evidently fed up with hearing about how they’re stifling the development of 20-year-old defenceman Rasmus Sandin, the Maple Leafs fired a few shots of their own in Sandin’s direction on Monday.

Sure, head coach Sheldon Keefe expressed a certain amount of sympathy for the plight of the promising 2018 first-round pick who hasn’t played in a hockey game in 328 days and counting. And Keefe went out of his way to insist he has “no doubt” that Sandin will emerge as an “everyday NHL player.” The problem is, with Sandin currently slotted as the eighth defenceman on Toronto’s depth chart — and with the Leafs dressing, at most, seven defenceman a night — the coach is loathe to say precisely when that day will come. In the interim, Keefe levelled some not-so-veiled criticism at Sandin, calling into question the Swede’s work ethic and overall professionalism in the midst of a global pandemic.

“We’ve really tried to prioritize with him (the importance of) using this time productively to maintain or really improve his work habits, and his time in the gym and his training in the gym and maturing his body and just learning what’s necessary to be an everyday NHL player, not just from a skill standpoint, but the habits that go into it,” Keefe said. “I think there’s some growth to be had there. We’ve spoken to him about that.”

Keefe continued, saying the blueliner still has plenty of off-ice learning to do: “It’s everything, when you take your gear off, what you’re doing to take care of yourself and improve yourself.”

Even if there’s some truth in Keefe’s words — because rare is the 20-year-old who is an unassailably consummate pro — it’s difficult to imagine Monday’s public talking-to went over well in Sandin’s camp. Speaking of gaping room for improvement, the Leafs clearly erred in declining to permit Sandin to play for Sweden in the world junior championship, insisting they required his services from the get-go of training camp on Jan. 3, even though the tournament wrapped up on Jan. 5. Now, along with depriving Sandin of what would have been an opportunity to dominate his peers — Sandin was named the tournament’s best defenceman the year before — the Leafs have decided to rap his knuckles with a public scolding. As if it wasn’t bad enough that Sandin was passed over for playing time in favour of Martin Marincin during the summertime play-in series loss to the Blue Jackets.

Not that you’d know any of this listening to Sandin. In a season of unrest around the NHL, where trade demands from disgruntled talent have been making headlines from Montreal to Calgary to Winnipeg, Sandin maintained a stiff upper lip during a brief Zoom media session Monday.

“I mean, it’s obviously a little frustrating,” Sandin said. “It was a very long time ago since I played a game. But we’re gonna hang in there. We’re having fun in practice. It’s great being with the guys again.”

A lot of this, to be fair, is out of the Leafs’ control. Under normal circumstances, the club would have the option of keeping Sandin sharp with the AHL Marlies. But precisely when the AHL is going to begin play, nobody can say for sure.

Still, the idea that Sandin was going to be hard-pressed to get playing time barring an early-season injury or two wasn’t exactly difficult to see coming. It was basically inevitable the Swede was going to find himself as the eighth defenceman to begin the season, what with no pre-season games to prove himself and a truncated training camp to boot. The Leafs were locked into a top four of Morgan Rielly, T.J. Brodie, Jake Muzzin and Justin Holl. They didn’t sign a veteran depth player like 30-year-old Zach Bogosian because they’re prioritizing development. And 24-year-old Travis Dermott, for all his stumbles, was essentially a lock on the third pair given he has played 128 more NHL games than Sandin.

On top of all that, the Leafs are essentially obligated to prioritize the ice time of free-agent newcomer Mikko Lehtonen ahead of Sandin, at least for a while. Lehtonen, after all, was a highly coveted commodity when the Leafs successfully recruited him from the KHL. So it’s important for any reputable organization, if it’s going to maintain its reputation for integrity in such negotiations, to follow through on its promises to players coming over from the continent. It’s hard to imagine they sold Lehtonen on Toronto with the promise of a season-long seat in the press box.

Lol this article is awful. First off, Sandin wasn't even eligible for Sweden, so that shows Feschuk is just looking for clicks.
The rest of the article sounds like made up stories and then fabricated to make it look real.

Now lets say all this is true. This makes Sandin look bad and not the team. Apparently he might not be committed off the ice? Some fans here want to gift him a spot, and hand him every thing even though he doesn't deserve it.