The Toronto Maple Leafs are gearing up for a roster lift following a disappointing 2025-26 season that ended with the franchise missing the playoffs and a front-office overhaul.
Toronto has addressed some roster issues early in the offseason, including trading for defensemen Darren Raddysh and Emil Andrae, as well as for goalie Samuel Ersson.
Judging by Tuesday's reports, further changes appear to be under consideration, with two defensemen linked to potential exits from Toronto during the next few days and heading into the NHL Draft later this week and free agency on July 1.
One of those potential moves involves Brandon Carlo, whose situation just got a bit of clarity.
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TSN’s Chris Johnston reported on Tuesday that Carlo’s name is now part of ongoing discussions around the league.
“Brandon Carlo’s name has emerged in trade talks with other teams, and it makes a lot of sense,” Johnston said. “Look, the Leafs got right-shot Darren Raddysh in last week’s deal with Tampa Bay. They have the expectation that Chris Tanev will be back healthy for next season, and that does squeeze out some of the minutes someone like Carlo would get.”
Johnston's comments highlight the logjam on Toronto’s right side of the defense, where recent additions and returning players could limit Carlo’s role.
The TSN reporter ended his report by revealing that Toronto's asking price for Carlo is “multiple mid-range picks” in a potential deal, potentially hinting at a pre-draft trade taking place before the event gets underway on June 26.
Carlo has one year remaining on his six-year, $24.6 million contract and carries a cap hit just above $3 million, which could make him an attractive option for teams looking to add a defense-first presence.
The blueliner appeared in 55 games last season without scoring a single goal but contributing seven assists. He also logged 65 hits and 98 blocked shots playing the role of a shutdown defender rather than an offensive weapon.
Toronto acquired Carlo at the 2025 trade deadline, and if he's traded before next season, he'd leave the Maple Leafs with 10 points in 75 regular-season games, as well as 13 postseason appearances.
