Sandin signs entry-level contract with Flyers

Linus Sandin signed a one-year, entry-level contract with the Philadelphia Flyers for the 2020-21 season on Wednesday. Financial terms were not disclosed.

The 23-year-old forward scored 36 points (19 goals, 17 assists) in 51 games with HV71 in the Swedish Hockey League this season. He is the older brother of Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Rasmus Sandin.

"We are happy to have Linus under contract for next season," Flyers general manager Chuck Fletcher said. "Our scouting staff has done an excellent job identifying him as a player who can come into camp and compete for a spot on our team right away. He works extremely hard and we expect him to add size, skill and tenacity to our forward group."

Assistant general manager Brent Flahr credited Sweden-based scout Joakim Grundberg for following Sandin (6-foot-1, 209 pounds) and charting his development in three SHL seasons, the first two with Rogle BK.

"He's just gotten better every year," Flahr said. "Took some time to get stronger, work on his game, but he's gradually gotten better every year as he's advanced thorough the Swedish system. Had a strong year last year and now he's anxious to come over and try North America.

"He's a very versatile player, got some juice to him, scores some goals in the hard areas. It'll be an adjustment over here but he's a guy that isn't 19 years old coming out of junior, he's a little older, a little more mature than some guys. His intention is to come to camp and show well for himself."

Sandin scored 66 points (38 goals, 28 assists) in 143 SHL games.

The NHL on Tuesday announced a one-year extension of player transfer agreements with the Canadian Hockey League, the Swiss Ice Hockey Federation and Swiss League, and International Ice Hockey Federation member leagues, including the SHL, which allowed the Flyers to make the Sandin signing official.