The Toronto Maple Leafs have come to terms with their final restricted free agent by signing defenceman Rasmus Sandin to a two-year, $2.8-million contract.
The deal, identical to the one signed by Timothy Liljegren earlier this year, comes at a time when the Maple Leafs are thin on the blue line due to injuries. Liljegren, Jake Muzzin, Jordie Benn and Carl Dahlstrom are all battling ailments, opening the door for Sandin to start the season in a more prominent role.
Sandin, who is coming off his entry-level contract, has appeared in 88 games over parts of three seasons, scoring six goals and 28 points.
“This morning, Rasmus Sandin and [agent] Lewis Gross reached out to us and informed us that after watching our game last night and seeing more injuries accrued by our defence, that they wanted to get this locked in today so Rasmus could get over to Toronto and help his teammates,” Maple Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas said in a statement.
“We appreciate Rasmus and his camp taking that step today to get this contract done and allow him the time to ready for the final preseason games. As stated throughout this process, Rasmus is a key member of the present and future of your team and we are excited today that he is en route to Toronto to ready for Opening Night in Montreal.”