The Toronto Maple Leafs are loaning defenceman Rasmus Sandin to Team Sweden for the upcoming under-20 World Junior Championship, the team announced on Sunday.
Sandin, 19, a native of Uppsala, Sweden, was Toronto’s first-round selection in the 2018 NHL draft. He debuted with the club this season, posting two assists in six games, while also recording two goals and 12 points in 18 games with the AHL’s Toronto Marlies.
With a recent injury to defenceman Tyson Barrie, there was some uncertainty about whether the Maple Leafs would loan Sandin for the tournament.
Last year, Sandin had four points in five games for Sweden at the WJC. Sweden won its pool, but was upset by Switzerland in the quarterfinals.
The 10-team WJC begins Thursday, Dec. 26 in Czech Republic.
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