Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman who refused to report to training camp is showing his true colors

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Josh tupper
September 26, 2022 (11:26)

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Rasmus Sandin is one of the only remaining unsigned restricted free agents. The 22-year-old defenseman remains unsigned and has reportedly not left his native Sweden for North America yet. This likely puts the 22-year-old significantly behind his teammates from a development perspective.

According to Sandin's agent Lewis Gross this was never about money and was always about playing time. But that appears to not be the case at all. Last week it was announced that Jake Muzzin was already battling back pain and could miss significant time. It was also announced that Timothy Liljegren would miss a minimum of 6 weeks after having hernia surgery.

So obviously with opportunities to play Sandin rushed to sign a contract? Of course not.

Now Chris Johnston of The Daily Faceoff has provided this update on Sandin's situation.

It's believed the Leafs and agent Lewis Gross have focused recent discussions on one- and two-year extensions. The Sandin camp has sought a one-year contract above his qualifying offer (approximately $875,000) a two-year term north of the $1.4-million AAV taken by teammate Timothy Liljegren in June.

At this point it appears a young defender who is in desperate need of development is willing to risk this time over a couple hundred thousand dollars. Not to be lost on anyone is that Sandin's agent is the exact same agent who encouraged William Nylander to sit out until December.