Rasmus Sandin turned off his phone and got back to nature this summer.
As contract talks with the Maple Leafs went nowhere for much of the off-season, Sandin needed mental breaks every so often as he trained at home in Stockholm.
From our newsroom to your inbox at noon, the latest headlines, stories, opinion and photos from the Toronto Sun.
Thanks for signing up!
A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.
The next issue of Your Midday Sun will soon be in your inbox.
“I was actually out walking in the woods a couple of times and that’s something I’ve definitely not done before,” Sandin said. “Not bringing my phone a little bit and just enjoying some time with family.
“I was focusing on finding some chanterelles (wild edible mushrooms) on the walks. I got in some cooking, so that was a big help.”
Sandin spent a lot of time skating with Leafs teammate William Nylander before the latter headed back to Toronto for training camp, and the pair had more than a few golf dates.
“My mind was probably here before I came here,” Sandin said. “I wanted to get here as soon as possible.
“I feel stronger. I feel better with my body overall. I feel healthy. I just feel really good.”