What’s fuelling Rasmus Sandin’s huge improvement in Washington?

This article originally appeared on hockeysverige.se and has been translated from Swedish to English.

The 2023-24 season was by no means a disaster. Rasmus Sandin played his first full season with the Washington Capitals and helped the team reach the playoffs, where they were unmercifully swept by the New York Rangers. But there was still something missing in the Swedish defenseman’s game.

After the playoff exit, Sandin and head coach Spencer Carbery decided to delay their exit meeting to gain some distance from the season. 

Now, the Swedish NHL defenseman has found his rhythm — after both he and the coach agreed he could do better.

“We didn’t think it was particularly good or bad, just somewhere in between. Of course, you feel that way yourself after a year like that,” Sandin said. “This year, I think I’ve played well on both sides of the puck and made significant strides defensively. We’ve also played incredibly well as a team, which of course helps everyone individually.”

Sandin has certainly played well in the season’s early stages. After 27 games, he holds a +19 rating, one of the best figures in the entire NHL, trailing only the Minnesota Wild’s Jacob Middleton and Kirill Kaprizov. If he maintains this pace, Sandin would surpass Gustav Forsling’s impressive +56, which was the league’s top plus/minus record last season. These are undeniably impressive numbers that suggest the 24-year-old is currently playing the best hockey of his career.

“Yes, we’ve now played 27 games, but overall, considering what I’ve done offensively and defensively, I think this has been the best start to a season in my career,” Sandin admits. “That comes with confidence—having been here for a while now and knowing the system, the coaches, and everything around me. It’s just about coming to the rink, enjoying it, and focusing on playing hockey. It’s always a good feeling after a solid summer when you think, ‘I couldn’t have done more to prepare for a good season.’”

What has done differently to be better prepared and perform better?

“The summer was good,” he said. “I feel I’ve gained a bit more strength and speed. I’ve worked a lot on things both on and off the ice, mental aspects and such. I feel like I’ve taken significant steps, especially in my game without the puck and on the defensive side.”

The defenseman also emphasizes the sense of security in having a contract that runs through the 2028-29 season. The agreement was announced at the beginning of March, a five-year pact worth $23 million with an AAV of $4.6 million.

“You feel secure and don’t have many distractions on the side,” he said. “All you need to focus on is playing hockey, having fun, and enjoying the moment, which I think I’ve done a better job of this year. Even if you try not to think about it, that security is always somewhere in the back of your mind. It’s a lot easier to focus solely on playing hockey.”

But it’s not just Rasmus Sandin thriving on the Capitals.

“It’s clear that his hot start helps tremendously,” Sandin says of Alexander Ovechkin’s chase of the all-time goal scoring record. “We’ve probably scored the most goals in the NHL, and that’s where we’ve taken major steps forward. Last year, we struggled to score goals. You just need to compare the plus/minus stats we had last year with what we have now. Of course, we’re very pleased.”

“There are also so many things (Ovechkin) has done for the team in other ways. When he blocks a shot, it’s hard for someone else to shy away from doing the same. He sets a great example for the rest of the players.

“We brought in seven or eight new players this year. That’s a significant change, of course. It’s tough when so many players join a new system, organization, and have to move their families and adapt to everything. But our coaches have done an amazing job incorporating the new players. They’ve fit in incredibly well both on and off the ice.”

Amid it all, Sandin has taken on a major role as top-four defenseman, logging more than 19 minutes per game.

“We have a very stable group of defensemen,” he said. “I think we complement each other very well out there. I think my role suits me quite well. We’re getting significant minutes against other teams’ top players, which is fun to take on as a challenge.”

Now, it’s just a matter of seeing how far this momentum will take the Capitals and Sandin. One thing is certain: while others are distracted by the 4 Nations Face-Off, the team will continue to push forward. Despite the success, no one on the team has secured a spot in the tournament.

Has the Four Nations snub given Sandin extra motivation?

“I don’t know,” he said. “We have such an incredibly strong group of defensemen in Swedish hockey, so it’s not an easy team to break into. Of course, it was a small goal I had, but I wasn’t really counting on it. Still, you want to do everything you can to at least be part of the discussion.

“It’ll be really fun to watch, at least. Then we’ll go from there. There are other opportunities coming up.”