NHL Rumors: Latest on Maple Leafs Talks With Young Defenseman

The Toronto Maple Leafs have yet to sign restricted free agent defenseman Rasmus Sandin and many are wondering what's taking so long. General manager Kyle Dubas and Sandin's camp have been in contact, however to this point no deal has been announced.

Sandin is a major part of the Maple Leafs future and when Toronto re-signed fellow young blueliner Timothy Liljegren, many felt it wouldn't be long before we saw Sandin's new deal get announced. Unfortunately, that hasn't been the case at all and Sandin continues to train waiting on something concrete to sign.

#Leafs GM Kyle Dubas on the state of talks with pending RFA Rasmus Sandin and his role for next season. pic.twitter.com/sdpjTOfP09
— David Alter (@dalter) July 6, 2022

The Maple Leafs turned some heads by signing free agents Jordie Benn and Victor Mete this summer as they hold a very crowded blue line. Sandin will be in tough to fight for minutes and there's been some speculation he isn't happy with the ice-time he's been given so far in his early career.

Last season in 51 games, the 22-year-old Sandin recorded five goals and 16 points. He has the potential to be a power-play quarterback and has been given light work with the top power-play unit at times for the Maple Leafs. For now, he sits on the outside looking in as we creep closer to training camps opening.