Linus Sandin inked a 1yr/$750k extension with the Philadelphia Flyers.
It’s his third contract, second extension, since signing an entry-level contract in 2020-2021. Sandin made his NHL debut against the New York Islanders on January 25th, 2022. His only appearance in the NHL resulted in a 4-3 loss.
In his debut, he played for 6:59 and registered one shot on goal. Defensively, he blocked two shots.
Undrafted, there weren’t lofty expectations for Sandin. He competed on loan in the SHL with HV71 while splitting time in the AHL with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. As he transitioned from the SHL to the AHL, he was as advertised. Sandin maintained and improved upon his game in the AHL.
In 2020-2021, Sandin notched 10pts (4G,6A) with HV71 in 20 games. On the Phantoms, he matched 10pts (6G,4A) in 26 games. His next step in development showed promise in 2021-2022. It earned him this 2022-2023 contract. Sandin is one of the better stories within the Flyers’ system, fighting for every opportunity.
A Flyers Focus
Not long after making his debut in 2021-2022, Sandin missed time with an injury. More recalled prospects made splashes towards the end of the season, but Sandin didn’t return. He played 36 games with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, totaling 20pts (8G, 12A.) It was his most productive stint since signing with the Philadelphia Flyers.
Furthermore, Sandin had an equally rough beginning to 2021-2022. Before debuting against the New York Islanders, he recovered from a broken orbital bone. Imagine, in the same season, recovering from a destroyed orbital bone and suffering an upper-body injury. It makes his production a little more impressive.
Sandin seemed cursed against the Hershey Bears, considering the time of his injuries. His perseverance is a telling sign of why the Flyers conjured the extension. He did have five multiple-point games in 2021-2022. Of his multiple-point games, his finest was against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins on January 14th, 2022, scoring two goals.
Sandin in 2022-2023
Expect a familiar role from the 2021-2022 season. Sandin earned his opportunity as the next man up when the Philadelphia Flyers battled injuries. While Owen Tippett and Zack MacEwen are upcoming RFAs, other prospects that made a louder impression ahead of Sandin. Those prospects include Bobby Brink and Hayden Hodgson.
Sandin, on a two-way contract, ought to spend his entire season with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms in 2022-2023. In the event of another bad season during a rebuild, there is a good likelihood that Sandin does make another cameo in the NHL.
(Photo Credit: Alex McIntyre)
