NHL Rumors: Maple Leafs Talks With Defenseman "Going Nowhere"

The Toronto Maple Leafs are having some trouble coming to terms with their final restricted free agent. According to a report by Luke Fox of Sportsnet, negotiations between the Leafs and defenceman Rasmus Sandin have hit a snag. A pretty big snag apparently. Fox quotes Sandin's agent Lewis Gross as saying "negotiations are going nowhere."

Leafs GM Kyle Dubas responded to Gross's comment by saying "negotiating contracts via the media have an adverse impact on player (and) team reputation and traditionally do not create resolutions to private matters." 

With training camp just a few weeks away, Sandin's unsigned status could have an impact. Would the 22-year-old hold out from camp if he remains unsigned? 

"I’d rather not get into Rasmus's feelings," Gross told Fox. Leaf fans are hoping that Sandin isn't pricing himself out of a job, after just 88 total games in the NHL.

The thing I don’t get about the Sandin situation is there’s no money left to get my dude. Yes, Holl and Kerfoot combine for like 5 mill that’s very movable cap space, but what is he going off here? Barely a full season worth of games in 3 years? How ridiculous is this ask?

— Mogilny's Sad (@latursk) August 17, 2022

Sandin's role on the Leafs' blueline is precarious, with a crowded roster of defencemen. It's possible that playing time is one of the issues at play. But with much of the Toronto D a bit longer in the tooth, Dubas would certainly like to hang onto the youngster. 

"We see he and Timothy (Liljegren) as both massive parts of it moving ahead," Dubas said. Liljegren was also an RFA and signed a two-year, $2.8M bridge contract earlier in the summer.

Photos: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports, Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports