SANDIN SENT TO WASHINGTON
The Washington Capitals acquired defenseman Rasmus Sandin from the Toronto Maple Leafs for defenseman Erik Gustafsson and a first-round draft pick in 2023.
What does it give the Washington Capitals
The Capitals are making a necessary trade by acquiring Sandin, since they have very few defensemen under contract for 2023-24 and beyond. Sandin has a very affordable contract for next season, so he should be given every chance to become a fixture along Washington's blueline (and likely with power-play minutes).
What does it give the Toronto Maple Leafs
Boston's first-round draft pick in '23, which was just dealt to Washington in the Dmitry Orlov-Garnet Hathaway trade, is now headed to Toronto along with Gustafsson for Sandin. This deal helps the Maple Leafs immediately (Gustafsson) and the future (1st-rounder). Gustafsson provides valuable defensive depth.
Fantasy impact
Sandin is now a must-add fantasy defenseman in nearly all formats. He will probably inherit Gustafsson's role as the team's power-play quarterback on the first unit until veteran John Carlson returns from injury. As for Gustafsson, he can be dropped in some league formats now that he will become a depth piece for the Leafs down the stretch.
