It must have been bittersweet for Rasmus Sandin to have been dealt by the Leafs to the Washington Capitals on Tuesday. On one hand, he was leaving the only organization he had ever known and some of his closest friends behind. On the other hand, he was leaving for an incredible opportunity to log some big minutes higher up on the depth chart in Washington.
In the end, Sandin fell short of the mark as far as the Leafs' expectations were concerned and the Jake McCabe acquisition was the final nail in the coffin on Sandin's run in Toronto. The move pushed the Swedish blueliner back down to the #7 spot and there is a strong belief that Sandin and his agent, Lewis Gross, had quietly approached the Leafs to request a trade to a more favourable situation elsewhere. If true, Dubas, being the person he is, obliged Sandin's request quietly and away from the media and found him a good opportunity with another team, like he's done with his players so many times before.
On Friday, Sandin finally addressed his fans, the Leafs and the city of Toronto to thank everyone for everything, showing his gratitude for what he felt was a special opportunity.
"I feel so incredibly lucky to have been a part of Toronto. A thank you for everything you have done for me, is not even close to enough. From drafting me, to making my childhood dream of playing in the NHL become reality. Toronto will always be a special place for me and my family.
Thank you to my teammates and staff for taking care of me from day 1, for being the people that you are. Special groups of guys that I will have as friends and best friends for the rest of my life.
To Leaf Nation:
You guys are special. Toronto is an incredible, special place to play and you are the ones that makes it so special. Thank you for all your support through the years.
Also, very excited to join the @capitals organization and I can not wait to get started, and play in front of the fans and people in D.C."
