Sandin made huge leaps in his AHL rookie year in part because he was paired with LoVerde - a veteran, smart, physical, defensive D who he could soak up knowledge like a sponge from.
I am kind of hoping that if the plan is for either Sandin or Liljegren to be on the third pair the Leafs try to sign someone like Del Zotto who will probably be under 1M AAV. I don't know if he can play on the right side, but regardless, he was a first round pick. Full-time in the NHL as a 19 year old in a major market (Rangers). This is a guy who knows what it is like to come into the league when you are young 1st round pick and after 11 seasons he knows how to play in the league and what to expect. Originally an offensive D. Plays physical, fitness and health fanatic. Should be a great mentor.
There is not a lot of those types of guys around, especially who shoot right, who are now third pairing D, and will not cost too much, but who have a lot of great experience. Maybe Braun, Hainsey, Engelland.