Main Photo – John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
The Toronto Maple Leafs announced two trades on Tuesday afternoon. The Maple Leafs have traded young defenceman Rasmus Sandin to the Washington Capitals. In return, Washington will receive Erik Gustafsson and a 2023 first-round pick (via BOS). However, that is not it as it was a busy day for Toronto Maple Leafs trades.
In addition, Toronto moved bottom-six forward Pierre Engvall. The New York Islanders acquired Engvall in exchange for a 2024 third-round pick. They then also moved a pick for Luke Schenn which we have covered here.
We’ve acquired defenceman Erik Gustafsson & Boston’s first round selection in the 2023 NHL Draft from the Washington Capitals in exchange for defenceman Rasmus Sandin
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) February 28, 2023
#Isles Transaction: The New York Islanders have acquired forward Pierre Engvall from the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for a third round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft.
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) February 28, 2023
Toronto Maple Leafs Trades
Washington Trades for Sandin
The Capitals just got a few years younger on defence. Sandin possesses elite speed, agility, and puck handling. He was a former 2018, first-round draft pick by the Maple Leafs. In 52 contests with Toronto this year, Sandin recorded four goals and 16 assists for 20 points.
Toronto received a veteran puck-moving defenceman in Gustafsson. He reached the 60-point plateau back in 2018-19. Erik has played for four different clubs since 2019. Gustafsson has potted 7 goals and 31 assists in 61 games this year for the Capitals.
Islanders Trade for Engvall
The Islanders have picked up the definition of a workhorse. Engvall has blazing speed and can play any role in the lineup. Furthermore, Engvall is a former 2014, seventh-round draft pick by the Maple Leafs. Engvall has always been underrated throughout his career. In 58 games this year, Engvall has 12 goals and nine assists.
What This Means For The Future
The Maple Leafs have made five different trades over the past week. The organization is clearly looking for a spark heading into the 2023 playoffs. General Manager, Kyle Dubas brought in Jake McCabe, Sam Lafferty, Noel Acciari, and Ryan O’Reilly.
Moreover, expect Sandin to be one of Washington’s core pieces as the team starts to exit the Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom era. The Capitals needed to get younger, which they did in this trade. Erik Gustafsson won’t see as much opportunity on the Maple Leafs blue line, he’s a pending unrestricted free agent.
Engvall has the potential to excel in the Islanders system. He’s never been given enough opportunity in Toronto’s organization. Hopefully, he sees an increased role on the Island.
