Maple Leafs Had Carlo Trade Ready: Did They Bet Wrong?

The Toronto Maple Leafs' acquisition of defenseman Brandon Carlo from the Boston Bruins in March 2025 was initially met with optimism, but recent reports suggest the team may already be experiencing buyer's remorse. The Maple Leafs, currently sitting with an 8-7-1 record, are struggling defensively, a stark contrast to their typically sound defensive play in recent years.

The trade that brought Carlo to Toronto saw the Maple Leafs send forward Fraser Minten, a conditional first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, and a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft to Boston. At the time, the move was seen as addressing a need for a right-shot, defensive-minded defenseman to pair with Morgan Rielly. Carlo, known for his shot-blocking ability and physicality, was expected to provide stability and size to the Leafs' blue line.

However, according to team reporter James Mirtle, the Maple Leafs explored trading Carlo during the offseason, just months after acquiring him. Mirtle indicated that Toronto considered sending Carlo to the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for forward JJ Peterka. This potential deal fell through, and Peterka was eventually traded to the Utah Mammoth.

Mirtle suggested that the Maple Leafs are having second thoughts about having Carlo in the organization and that the fact that they were willing to move him so soon after acquiring him is telling. He noted that Carlo has not been a good fit alongside Rielly and that he struggles with puck movement, a skill the Leafs desperately need from their defensemen.

Carlo's performance in the early part of the 2025-26 season has been underwhelming. While his statistics (two assists and a +2 rating in 16 games) are not terrible, his play on the ice has raised concerns. He has struggled with puck handling and has been prone to turnovers.

The Maple Leafs' defensive struggles as a whole have amplified the scrutiny on Carlo. The team has allowed 60 goals against in their first 16 games, which ranks as the fourth-most in the NHL. With Chris Tanev gone, the team lacks puck-moving defensemen, further highlighting Carlo's limitations in that area.

Minten, on the other hand, has had a promising start with the Bruins, even scoring against his former team in a recent matchup. This has only intensified the questions surrounding the Carlo trade. Did the Maple Leafs misjudge Carlo's fit with the team? Did they give up too much in the trade with Boston? Would they have been better off pursuing the trade with Buffalo for Peterka?

Only time will tell if the Maple Leafs made the right decision. Carlo has two years remaining on his contract, so there is still time for him to find his footing in Toronto. However, if his struggles continue, the Maple Leafs may be forced to explore other options to improve their defense, potentially leading to further questions about the Carlo trade and whether they bet wrong.