GOTTA SEE IT: Capitals' Sandin Stuns With Massive Hip Check For Sweden At Worlds

The Washington Capitals picked up a major piece for their future back in February, acquiring defenseman Rasmus Sandin from the Toronto Maple Leafs to provide the team with a budding top-4 talent. And suiting up for Sweden on Sunday in the IIHF World Championship, Sandin showed just what he can do with a booming hit.

With Sandin and Sweden taking on Austria, the 23-year-old was defending and went in for a huge hip check on David Reinbacher. He pulled off the play in superb and classic fashion, and the hit was among the highlights of the Swedes' 5-0 victory.

Sandin logged 20:13 minutes and a plus-minus rating of plus-2 in the win. He had a primary assist in one of the preliminary games of the tournament but is still looking for his first point with two games under his belt.

After arriving in D.C., the 5-11, 187-pound blueliner showed what he can do offensively with 15 points in the final 19 games of the season. Sandin said he was surprised by the move, but is happy with the landing spot and wants to remain with the Capitals organization for a long time.

"I think I played some good hockey, but obviously, it didn't go as planned," Sandin said matter-of-factly. "I think if it did and we had a good fit, they probably wouldn't have traded me here... I think they wanted something else for the team, which I totally respect.

"Getting here and getting a chance, this team, I feel like they really wanted to get me," Sandin said, adding, "When you get to a team like this that wants you and just the first couple of calls with the GM, with coaches and all of that, it makes you feel very, very good about yourself and just coming here."

Now playing for Sweden at Worlds, Sandin is showing what he can do at the other end of the ice as well with his physicality and defensive awareness, and he's also shooting the puck well, showcasing his strong skating and making an impact in other ways beyond the scoresheet.