Rasmus Sandin will make his Washington Capitals preseason debut against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday night after being unavailable for the first week of camp.
Sandin had visa-related issues that delayed his travel to North America from his native Sweden until early last week.
“I think you have to focus on what you actually can control.” Sandin said after his on-ice session at MedStar Capitals Iceplex on Sunday. “It was taking some extra time, but at least I’m here now and getting back with the team. I think during the time it was frustrating, but it’s nice to have some contact with some of the guys on the team too and trying to calm me down a little bit. But again, finally here and happy about that.”
Sandin first took the ice at MedStar Capitals Iceplex on Thursday, but admitted it was a punishing experience.
“First day was pretty stiff, but after a 12, 13 hour plane ride, I mean, that’s what comes with it,” he said. “But I feel good now.”
While he was waiting for his issues to be resolved, Sandin skated pretty much everyday with friends and contemporaries back at home, including “a few guys that didn’t have contracts yet,” to be in shape when he arrived.
“He’s been really good the last couple of days,” Spencer Carbery said on Sunday. “Everybody had an off day yesterday but he skated, did his skate test and got through it with flying colors. Got an extra little skate in (after). Looked good today. So he’s ready to roll [in Monday’s preseason game].”
Sandin is coming off a 2023-24 season that both he and Carbery agreed wasn’t his best year. Sandin recorded 23 points (3g, 20a) in his first full campaign with the Capitals — a step back from the 35 points (7g, 28a) he posted during the 2022-23 season primarily with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Jakob Chychrun should relieve some of Sandin’s pressure to produce, bolstering a left side on defense that also includes Martin Fehervary.
Carbery is looking for Sandin to make a strong pair with free agent addition Matt Roy, who is a versatile, minutes-eating rearguard. Martin Fehervary has been skating with Roy in Sandin’s absence.
“I knew what kind of players they were before and they’re obviously great players,” Sandin said of the team’s seven major offseason additions. “I’m getting to know them now too. I think they fit really well into our team. So really happy with the additions that we got.”
Sandin is expected to play in both of the team’s final preseason games ahead of their season opener on October 14 against the New Jersey Devils.
“I feel really good now being back on track,” he said.
