Sandin's MRI revealed no structural damage, so he won't be out as long as originally feared. Head coach Sheldon Keefe told reporters on Monday that the young blueline is expected to be sidelined for at least two weeks.
Sandin left Saturday's game vs. the Jets after a knee-on-knee collision with Neal Pionk. The Jets' defenseman was suspended for two games for the play but it looks like Sandin could miss an extended period of time. The Maple Leafs recalled Alex Biega and Kristiāns Rubīns from the AHL to help replace Sandin.
Sandin was a surprise scratch from the lineup in Game 4 but will draw right back into the lineup for Game 5. Sandin, who will replace Travis Dermott, has one goal on four shots while averaging 13:55 TOI through his first three games of the series.
Sandin has only appeared in one game this season but is expected to replace Travis Dermott on the third pairing and skate on PP2. Sandin has one goal and eight assists (nine points) in 29 career NHL games.
Sandin played Monday vs. Vancouver, where he had one assist in 5:00 TOI. Nic Petan will draw into the lineup as the Maple Leafs go to a 12 forwards, six defensemen look.
With Wayne Simmonds out six weeks with a broken wrist, Sandin will dress as a seventh defenseman on Monday. Sandin had one goal and seven assists (eight points) in 28 NHL games a season ago.
With all the injuries to the Maple Leafs’ blueline, Sandin has become a regular in the lineup but will be replaced by Timothy Liljegren on Tuesday. Sandin has picked up just one assist and seven shots while playing just 14:00 ATOI in his last 14 games.
Sandin has been all over the place this season. He started the year in the NHL, posting two assists in six games, was then sent to the AHL and then loaned to Team Sweden for the World Juniors, where he had 10 points (3G / 7A) in seven games. Toronto is trying to sort some stuff out defensively, so it looks like they'll give the 19-year-old another look.
Sandin made the team after a tremendous training camp and collected two assists and five shots in 12:13 ATOI in his first six NHL games. Sandin heads to the AHL to get more playing time and will be replaced by Kevin Gravel on the Maple Leafs roster.
