Might Jarry’s Comments Lead to a Trade Between Oilers and Maple Leafs?

Expect trade talk to pick up over the next 24 hours, with names being tossed around like candy at a parade. How much truth there is to what gets discussed remains a mystery, but with the Olympic break just hours away, and trade chatter reaching full volume. One of the more surprising links involves the Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Brandon Carlo.

Elliotte Friedman revealed on 32 Thoughts that Edmonton may have at least explored Carlo’s availability. While the information was met with mixed reactions around the league—some sources confirming they’d heard similar whispers and others dismissing the idea and saying, “No, they’re not doing that.”—the fact that Carlo’s name surfaced at all is notable.

The timing is also interesting.

Friedman’s comments came amid a broader discussion about Toronto’s plan to retool and Edmonton’s defensive play following Tristan Jarry’s candid postgame remarks. Following a lopsided loss to Minnesota, Jarry openly addressed the team’s breakdowns and the volume of Grade-A chances being surrendered. He shifted much of the blame for the loss away from himself, suggesting there was a collective problem and that the Oilers’ style of play is not helpful for goaltenders.

Friedman wondered how those comments would resonate inside the Oilers’ room, especially given that Jarry is a recent addition and not part of the team’s long-standing core. The fact that a new member of the roster would so quickly hold his teammates accountable might speak volumes. Jarry’s approach is certainly different than what fans and media saw with Stuart Skinner, whose willingness to absorb blame without pointing outward was a commendable character quality.

Jarry’s lack of hesitation could force Edmonton’s management to take a closer look at whether further roster tweaks—particularly on the blue line—are necessary.

That’s Where Someone Like Brandon Carlo Fits In

If it’s deemed the Oilers need another solid piece on their blue line, Carlo, 29, would fit the profile of what the Oilers might be seeking. He is a right-shot, veteran shutdown defenseman with playoff experience. His current cap hit sits at $3.485 million through the 2026–27 season after Toronto retained salary, making him a manageable option for contenders if additional retention were involved.

That said, Carlo hasn’t quite matched expectations in Toronto since arriving from Boston in a deal that sent Fraser Minten and a first-round pick the other way. Some of that criticism stems from his pairing with Morgan Rielly rather than Carlo’s individual play, raising the question of whether a change in environment could unlock more of his value.

The Oilers are looking for an “Ekholm-junior” type. Could Carlo be that guy?

For now, Friedman emphasized that the Oilers appear focused on finding players willing to embrace defined roles in their lineup. They want depth guys who are content to contribute in depth roles. Whether that ultimately includes Carlo remains unclear.

Next: What Panarin Sees in the Oilers That Others Don’t