How Will The Toronto Maple Leafs Make Room For Rasmus Sandin?

With training camps opening next week, the Toronto Maple Leafs still haven’t agreed with Rasmus Sandin on a new contract. Some observers wonder how they’ll clear sufficient salary-cap space to make room for the restricted free agent defenseman.

Sandin, 22, is coming off his entry-level contract and lacks leverage in negotiations with Leafs management other than refusing to report to camp. On Aug. 17, Sportsnet’s Luke Fox reported the blueliner’s agent claimed negotiations were “going nowhere.” Nearly a month later, there’s little signs suggesting the two sides are drawing closer to a deal.

According to Cap Friendly, the Leafs sit almost $1.5 million above the $82.5-million salary cap for the coming season. The Athletic’s Jonas Siegel suggested the Leafs could start the season with a 20-man roster until Sandin signs. Once he’s under contract, they’ll have to make a cost-cutting move or two to become cap compliant.