Maple Leafs Quick Hits: Malign’s Chances & Sandin’s Negotiations

In this edition of Maple Leafs Quick Hits, I’ll share news about Denis Malgin’s return to the NHL and his chances to make the Maple Leafs’ roster. 

Second, I’ll share the bad news that Rasmus Sandin’s negotiations have apparently hit a standstill. How and when these might be resolved is a question that Maple Leafs’ fans (and the organization) would love to see addressed.

Related: YOU’RE A TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS’ FAN, AREN’T YOU?

Quick Hit One: Can Denis Malgin Make the Maple Leafs This Time?

It might have been easier for Denis Malgin to stay home in Switzerland. He was a star there. For the past two seasons, he had been back home dominating the Swiss league. Last season, the 25-year-old led the Zurich Lions by registering 52 points in 48 games during the 2021-22 season. The season before, he had scored 19 goals and added 23 assists (for 42 points) in 45 games with Lausanne HC.

But his success didn’t stop there. On the international scene, playing in both the Olympics and the World Championships he added 13 points in 13 games.

However, he’s decided to return to the Maple Leafs’ organization and he betting that things can work this time around. Can he make the Maple Leafs’ roster out of training camp?

That’s going to be a challenge. There’s a group of veterans and prospects all vying for the same center or right-wing job. Leaving Wayne Simmonds out of the mix, that list includes Alex Steeves, Bobby McMann, Joey Anderson, Adam Gaudette, Pontus Holmberg, and Nicolas Aube-Kubel.

One thing in Malgin’s favor is that he has more NHL experience (192 NHL games, with 60 points) than anyone except Gaudette. All but eight of those games were played with the Florida Panthers. 

Malign also plays bigger than his size. The 25-year-old is only 5-foot-9, but he’s hard to shake off the puck. He always was fast on his skates and a good playmaker, but he’s also now improved his shot. 

If Malgin is going to make the team, he’s going to have to convince the Maple Leafs’ coaching staff that he can contribute as a secondary scorer. That’s something the team desperately needed last season and will likely need again this season. 

Someone other than the Core Four needs to pick up the scoring. Can it be Malgin? 

Related: Does William Nylander Want to Play in Toronto Anymore?

Quick Hit Two: Why Are Sandin’s Negotiations Going Nowhere?

Recent news about Rasmus Sandin’s re-signing with the Maple Leafs is not good. Lewis Gross, Sandin’s agent, took to the media (a phone call to Luke Fox at Sportsnet) to announce that “Negotiations are going nowhere.” 

When Gross was asked what the standstill was, he noted: “I can’t answer that. You know, I don’t usually say much (publicly) anyway. But they’re just going nowhere right now.”

After Gross dropped that bomb, he quieted down. But he’s made his point and he got Maple Leafs’ general manager Kyle Dubas’ attention. 

Dubas, as he usually does, likes to keep “private matters” out of the news. But that’s not Gross’ way. 

Dubas’ response was predictable. He texted to comment on Gross’ comments: “Negotiating contracts via the media have an adverse impact on player (and) team reputation and traditionally do not create resolutions to private matters.” 

The Maple Leafs’ training camp will open in September. Will Sandin sign by then? If he doesn’t, will he participate without a contract? Really, there’s little the 22-year-old Sandin can do. He has little leverage because he’s not eligible for arbitration. 

If Sandin and his agent continue to hold out, would the Maple Leafs feel forced to move him? There isn’t a lot of extra salary-cap space to fit a bigger contract than the one Timothy Liljegren signed earlier in the offseason for $1.4 million per year over two years. 

In his talk about the two young Swedish defensemen, Dubas usually lumps them together. As he said at the NHL Entry Draft, “They’re massive parts of our future.” Sandin obviously doesn’t see that he and Liljegren should be talked about that way.

The question is whether the two will play together again with the team. Something will happen, but will it be soon?

Related: Maple Leafs News & Rumors: Woll, Murray, Samsonov & Nylander