Leafs fans are upset with coach Keefe’s lineup changes!

Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe announced on Friday that defenseman Travis Dermott will not play Saturday against the Vancouver Canucks. He left Thursday’s game against the Canucks with what Keefe described as a charley horse and expected to be a minor ailment, however, he will indeed miss some time.

This still prompted fans to feel encourage that young blue liner Rasmus Sandin could make his season debut with the Leafs. However, Keefe crushed this possibility right away, revealing that Mikko Lehtonen will draw back in.

He even dared to add this message to Sandin: “Right now, it’s Mikko’s time.”

As if the bench boss knew fans would be happy, he added : “We haven’t forgotten who Rasmus is. His time will come.”

The head coach took the time to take Sandin aside to explain his decision during team practice. Sandin will be scratched for a 12th straight time Saturday...

Sheldon Keefe said Travis Dermott will not play tomorrow. Mikko Lehtonen will go in against Vancouver.

Keefe’s message to Rasmus Sandin: “Right now, it’s Mikko’s time.”
— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) February 5, 2021

Keefe on Sandin: “We haven’t forgotten who Rasmus is. His time will come.”
— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) February 5, 2021

Fans quickly expressed their disappointment and anger towards Keefe’s decision, with some even suggesting that Sandin could get so fed up that he could request a trade out of Toronto.

Here are some fans’ reactions on social media:

I understand they have limited spots, but Sandin needs his time to come, and soon. If it doesn’t, he might request a trade
— Rachel (@_rachelrudy) February 5, 2021