The Toronto Maple Leafs will reportedly remain sellers as we get closer to the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline. Going into the Olympic break, they won three games in a row and took six out of a possible eight points. That leaves some fans wondering if they should switch to buying and try to make a run. However, it seems clear that the front office still plans to sell assets and reset the team.
Related: Oliver Ekman-Larsson is the Maple Leafs’ best trade chip ahead of the trade deadline
As many NHL insiders have speculated, the Maple Leafs are expected to prioritize their unrestricted free agents first. That doesn’t mean they won’t trade with anyone else, and one name that’s starting to pick up some steam is Brandon Carlo. This was discussed in the last episode of 32 Thoughts from the podcastwhen Elliotte Friedman brought up the possibility of the Edmonton Oilers being interested in him to help solidify their blueline heading into the playoffs.
Oilers linked to Carlo
As mentioned, Friedman tossed around the idea that the Oilers would be a good fit for Carlo if he were traded. It was speculative and may not amount to anything, but it’s clear that Edmonton could use help on the blue line, and the Maple Leafs could be willing to move him if the price is right.
This is what Friedman said:
“I’m curious to see how the Oilers react when Jarry says that, and number two, I’m also curious how, like, if the fact that the goalie comes out and says it is OK. It’s not a coach saying it anymore; it’s the goalie that we just got who said it. How does that resonate in their room? Do they get angry or do they say, wait a minute, this isn’t a coach, this is our colleague. This is one of the guys we went with. It’s also interesting because I heard that maybe they were interested in someone like Brandon Carlo.”
This comes after recent drama in Edmonton following comments from goalkeeper Tristan Jarry, who spoke in public about the team that needs to improve.
“It’s tough. I think the chances we give up, some shots, are tough. A lot of Grade As, a lot of failures. It’s hard to really think about your game right now. I think it’s about the whole team.”
Carlo’s matchup with the Oilers is here. He is a right-handed player who could easily fit into their second combination and provide some stability. He also fits what Edmonton was reportedly looking for. There have been reports that they want a defender who is “Ekholm Junior” and Carlo fits that bill. He’s a defensive back who isn’t overly physical but can play a shutdown role, which is exactly what the Oilers need behind their top pair.
As for the asking price, it’s hard to judge what Carlo would bring back to the open market. A player like Ty Emberson could be part of the return, or it could be centered around a high-end prospect like Brady Stonehouse or Beau Akey and a first-round pick, similar to the type of value the Maple Leafs have. gave up trying to acquire it of the Boston Bruins.
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