Article content continued

“He has a great attitude, is very coachable, he listens, but really the biggest key for him is he is a very intelligent player,” Keefe told us during the Marlies’ post-season this past spring. “He reads the ice very well and reads pressure very well.”

Sandin takes some inspiration from defenceman Miro Heiskanen, who was excellent at the age of 19 for the Dallas Stars last season, marking his strong play with an appearance at the NHL all-star game in San Jose.

“It’s great to see young guys doing well up there and hopefully I can be one of those guys too,” Sandin said.

Also with his eye on a spot with on the Leafs blue line is Sandin’s good pal Timothy Liljegren, looking to make the jump after two seasons with the Marlies.

“With Dermott out to start the year, there is a spot to fill and that’s good for young guys to come into camp with that knowledge,” Liljegren said.

“Confidence can have a lot to do if (whether) you make the team or not. I think I have pretty good confidence coming into camp now and I have felt pretty good the last couple of days here (skating with Leafs regulars).”

LOOSE LEAFS

Auston Matthews made his first appearance at the informal skate, but didn’t speak to reporters, as he is heading to Chicago for the annual NHL player media tour. Matthews, naturally, made an impression in his initial skate with teammates and other players in the Leafs organization. “Just so fun to watch, seeing what he was doing on the ice,” Sandin said. “Amazing to see you’re skating with a guy like that and see how he is handling the puck and knocking down pucks from the air. He is a very skilled guy. He makes you compete.” There’s no question coach Mike Babcock should be on the hot seat once the season starts. Even if the Leafs begin without winger Zach Hyman (knee) and Dermott, as well as, perhaps, the unsigned Mitch Marner, general manager Kyle Dubas and his staff have provided Babcock with plenty of depth. Once the roster is full, and as long as the Leafs can avoid major injuries to key players, there’s little reason this club shouldn’t enjoy a long playoff run next spring. Babcock will have more than enough talent at his disposal to make it work Andersen on heading to St. John’s, N.L, at the end of next week for the start of training camp: “Interesting area of the world. Pretty cool to get a chance to get back.”