Sandin feels stronger after layoff: Nylander 'can't even handle me'

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Rasmus Sandin has made good use of his team's extended layoff and is feeling better physically than he has before.

"I'm definitely a lot stronger. ... Even William (Nylander) can't even handle me on the ice right now," Sandin said, according to Sportsnet's Chris Johnston.

The 20-year-old returned to Sweden when Toronto was eliminated from the 2019-20 postseason and has been training with teammate and friend Nylander, which Sandin said recently resulted in many broken sticks on the forward's end.

Sandin said that being able to practice against a more experienced NHL player has helped him measure his progression.

"He's obviously a great player, so going against him, I can play in a little bit of a different way," Sandin said. "Before I definitely was just more trying to have my stick and trying to be more in a good position. Now I can pair that up ... with pushing other players from the puck a bit more and winning those battles.

"That's why I feel like this (prolonged break) has helped me a lot on the ice."

Sandin appeared in 26 games with the Maple Leafs this past season, and he also spent 21 games with the AHL's Toronto Marlies.

Though a spot on the Maple Leafs' roster isn't a lock due to their sudden logjam on the blue line, Sandin hopes to do whatever he can to help the team succeed.

"Play all the games I can and make a bigger impact on the team this year - try to help the team win more games," Sandin said of his goals for the upcoming season. "I feel prepared and I can't wait to get camp started."