Rasmus Sandin Is Only Unsigned Player on Leafs Roster

General manager Kyle Dubas has been busy signing players recently that includes Pierre Engvall ($2.25M), Adam Gaudette ($750,000), Calle Jarnkrok ($2.1M), and Timothy Liljegren ($1.4M x 2).

Yet, an inspiring, young defenseman remains unsigned. It's almost always about money.

The Leafs, as usual are OVER the salary cap limit of $82.5 million even though it was raised one million dollars for next season. They are currently at $1.493 million over the limit.

Of course, any NHL team may exceed the cap limit by 10 percent before the season begins. So, does that mean if the Leafs want Sandin on their roster they will need to trade someone? It sure does.

A popular candidate has been Justin Holl who has one more year on his contract set at $2 million. With Morgan Rielly, Jake Muzzin, and Mark Giordano ahead of Sandin on the left side of the blueline, it makes it difficult for him to break through, especially with his competition signed to multi-year deals.

Sandin had five goals, 11 assists in 51 games and averaged 16:58 minutes a game this season. He has no arbitration rights, and he may need to settle for less than $2 million per year for a one or two-year deal.

The other option would be to trade Sandin. With the Leafs cap space issue, he could be sent packing, especially if Dubas feels he's not developing fast enough.

The other issue Dubas needs to consider is the average age of his defense. With Sandin their average age is 29.4. Without him, it jumps to 30.6.

We'll need to wait and see how Dubas manages this dilemma. Sandin is a good prospect and he just may be forced out due to no roster space.