Brandon Carlo Addresses Rumors Amid Maple Leafs Trade Buzz

Brandon Carlo understands the business side of hockey, but that doesn’t make trade rumors any easier. Knowing that the Toronto Maple Leafs are leaning toward becoming sellers, his name will be out there over the next 24 hours, and if he’s not moved, out there again before March 6.

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Nearly a year after being dealt from Boston to Toronto, the defenseman’s name has resurfaced in speculation. The Leafs aren’t likely to buy. They are headed toward a re-tool, and that means assessing which players should be part of the long-term plans and who can fetch a solid return if traded. The 29-year-old right-shot defenseman gets why his name is out there. Still, he’s learned to focus on what he can control while trying to block out the noise.

“I’m just trying to stay present and focus on the things that I can do,” Carlo told The Hockey News. “Everything else is out of my hands.”

Are the Maple Leafs Set to Trade a Big Part of Their Blue Line?

Carlo has taken some heat lately for not being the perfect fit the Maple Leafs were hoping for when the team traded Fraser Minten to the Boston Bruins. He was expected to take on a bigger role, and the pick protection the team didn’t get (it’s just top-five protected) in the deal has come back to bite the Leafs as they fall down the standings.

However, he’s been solid at times, and on a different roster, Carlo could be a much better fit. So too, with a reduced cap hit of $3.485 million through 2026–27 (Toronto retained 15 percent), Carlo could be an attractive option at the deadline.

Still, Carlo made it clear his preference is to stay in Toronto. “I really enjoy it here,” he said. “I love the role that I have, and I don’t think we’re far off.”

Elliotte Friedman brought up Carlo’s name during Tuesday’s 32 Thoughts podcast and said he’d heard Carlo might be of interest to the Edmonton Oilers. The NHL insider has gotten mixed reports on the level of Edmonton’s interest. Some believe Edmonton has looked at this, others say, “No, they’re not doing that.”

In 32 games this season, Carlo has four assists while averaging 19:35 of ice time.

Next: NHL Trade Watch: Flames Fire Sale, Wild Searching, Michkov Linked to Leafs?