There really aren’t too many holes to fill in this glorified Leafs roster to start the season. Hyman is hurt so there will be a void there and it looks like Kapanen who’s got the opportunity to shine. Of course this opens up a vacant position where Kapanen was playing and we should see a few different options presented by Babcock as we inch closer to October 2nd.

On the back end Dermott is hurt to start the season and we should see his return late October or early into November. Odds are Dermott will return to his spot on the third pairing and we will see someone get bumped out of the rotation. So we’ll certainly have Rielly, Ceci, Muzzin and studly newcomer Barrie; but who’s the other two?

My favorite defensive prospect since Morgan Rielly; Rasmus Sandin.

He’s only 19 years old and I legit think he’s got what it takes to make the Leafs roster and be an impactful player. His game is very well rounded and he’s turning heads!

This is how I see it playing out. The Leafs are in quite the pickle here in many ways (when looking ahead). They only have Morgan Rielly signed next year and they are going to be tight to the cap every year going forward (as they should be). The Leafs are going to need to see what their best defensive prospects have and both Sandin and Liljegren are both the guys. Dermott may still be considered a prospect to some but I see him as a Maple Leaf now and he won’t be going anywhere anytime soon.

Could Babcock possibly take both Sandin and Liljegren out the gates and say forget Marincin, Harpur, Scmaltz and Hall? We know Dermott is going to be back relatively soon. Does it make more sense to give both Sandin and Liljegren a taste but with more of a veteran presence paired with them?

I’d imagine the Leafs coaching and upper management will look at all the options here as they will want to use this situation to their advantage. Remember you can play nine games before burning a year of your contract so we may see just that. One thing is certain, some NHL experience could certainly help both Sandin and Liljegren; but there is something special about this Sandin kid. He’s got vision and silkiness to his game and I can’t wait for us fans to get more than just a little taste of what he’s got to offer.

Sandin plays a confident game and it’s certainly showing here in pre season. It would be quite the confidence boost for Rasmus if he were to get the nod from Babcock.

Babcock: “To me, he’s just smart and simple. He knows how to play and he just seems comfortable all the time.” Babs said to the reports that “It doesn’t seem to matter what level he’s at.”

It doesn’t get much better from Babcock does it?

He see’s the raw skill and fact that Sandin plays the game like a man and his confidence shines like he’s there to stay. I’m all in on the Rasmus Sandin opening line up prediction. I’m also all in on Sandin showing us he’s got top pairing potential; something I’ve yet to say about any Leafs defensive prospect since Morgan Rielly.

What do you think? Does Sandin tickle your fancy or do you think Liljegren or one of the other defence have a better shot of making the Leafs opening night lineup?

Leafs will play against Montreal tonight at 7PM and Wednesday night at 7pm. Then they will have their back-to-back final two preseason games against the Detroit Red Wings both Friday and Saturday.

Thanks for reading, have a great week!

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