Confirmed with Link: Leafs acquire Brandon Carlo (15% retention) for Fraser Minten, cond. 2026 1st round pick and a 2025 4th round pick

[RomanianLeafs]

While I am a guy who loves to draft and keep the prospects I am also 45 and did not seen leafs make it past second round...i am also having some health problems lately so I don't care anymore about the future draft picks I want to see this team playing for the cup

 

[Gabriel426]

While I am a guy who loves to draft and keep the prospects I am also 45 and did not seen leafs make it past second round...i am also having some health problems lately so I don't care anymore about the future draft picks I want to see this team playing for the cup

Bro, hope you get better

 

[darrylsittler27]

We are in a position of needing to win now and work around Reilly. Hopefully Carlo is the guy to pair with him. Tre had to do this. The bar is low. Win 2 rounds. Minten wasn't going to help inside our window.

 

[Puckstuff]

Here's everything I've read about Carlo

- A legitimate second-pair, shutdown right-handed defenseman—solid as a #4.
- Once a top-pair guy, but his game has declined slightly, with a history of concussions.
- The Boston Bruins still value him as a reliable, stay-at-home defenseman. In his career he's gotten the toughest shutdown match up's.
- Bruins fans point out flaws in his game, particularly in the offensive zone, where he struggles with puck movement and making a clean first pass. "Offensive zone plays die on his stick" is what I've heard from a few posters.
- Lacks physicality and doesn't use his size to deliver big hits—comparable to Justin Holl in that regard.
- Fans describe Carlo as a player who "leaves you wanting more."
- While he isn't overly physical, he effectively uses his size to clear the front of the net.
- A strong character guy with leadership qualities—assistant captain material.
- Wasn't a great fit playing with Zadorov as neither were good at moving the puck. Both are stay at home guys.
- If expectations are set at a very good #4/#5 stay-at-home defenseman rather than a top pair guy, he'll be a solid addition. A good buy-low candidate with the potential to regain form, but at worst, a steady defensive presence with a right-handed shot.
- While not a true top-pair defenseman, he's still among the top 30 right-handed defensemen in the league, given the position’s scarcity.


My thoughts:
There aren’t many high-quality right-handed defensemen in the league, so when one becomes available—even with some flaws—it’s often worth considering. The fact that his stock dipped is probably a good thing—if it didn’t, you just can’t get these guys. Given Carlo’s stay-at-home style, his struggles offensively aren’t a major concern, especially since he plays the right side and can slot in with Rielly. A Rielly-Carlo pairing has the potential to be an effective second pair, with both players complementing each other well. I'm perfectly happy to pay the price, because at the end of the day, we actually fixed a glaring hold which is 2nd pair RD, with a legitimate solution. We are a much better team today. Great day imo.

 

[4thline]

I also take concerns of lack of physicality/softness from the B's fanbase with several grains of salt. Not playing with the violence they want =/= playing soft.

The Carlo we met in playoffs might not have been Chara level mean- but he wasnt soft.

 

[Legion34]

I also take concerns of lack of physicality/softness from the B's fanbase with several grains of salt. Not playing with the violence they want =/= playing soft.

The Carlo we met in playoffs might not have been Chara level mean- but he wasnt soft.

He lays about 140 hits a year. (Down this year). He’s not a violent hitter like. McCabe. But he hits and takes the body and clears the net.

We all know what he is. We have seen him play 28 playoff games against us.

we finally spent the assets to fill an actual need for long term

3.5 x3 for a second pair RHD for Reilly.
We needed that. And Weren’t getting that in ufa

 

[Macallan18]

Sounds like a book title for when he scores the Stanley Cup winning goal.

More like a young adult romance!

 

[Evilhomer]

The only risk with this guy is his history of concussions. So long as he can avoid taking a head shot, he will have a major impact on the defense.

 

[JT AM da real deal]

Best deal of trade deadline by far .. i thought we were getting Olesiak but Carlo is just as tough with much better hands and a true playoff warrior .. this gives us a chance to advance to SC final .. wow wow wow .. still can't believe it is true

 

[DKH]

This dude is awful softest player in the league. Addition by subtraction for us.

I do like Torontos chances overall this year avoid your bogey teams get a different path etc good squad elite at the top he doesn't change that for you so GL. Hell probably actually give a shit after the trade too.

Yeh not even close lol

 

[DKH]

I also take concerns of lack of physicality/softness from the B's fanbase with several grains of salt. Not playing with the violence they want =/= playing soft.

The Carlo we met in playoffs might not have been Chara level mean- but he wasnt soft.

Bruins fans are passionate but they overall are basically unable to identity a hockey puck in police lineup

He’s not soft - ridiculous

I go back to Bobby Baun, Tim Horton, and to call him soff is comical

 

[Roo]

If he knows Matthews is badly injured and won’t be healthy for the playoffs, then he shouldn’t have added anything.

If he was seriously injured he wouldn’t be playing

f***ing work gets in teh way. Just coming home to see all this. Leafs out 2 1st round picks + minten out again betting on the forawrds that shit the bed in the playoffs

Would have been much more prudent to stay put this season and see if these guys can take a step forward with a new coach and if not you know what you got and then create a new plan with it

Futures have been sold for forwards that haven't shown any playoff pedigree is something I am not cool with.

The huge problem that leafs have had for a long while i.e. depth scoring ofcourse not addressed either. Defense was never a major issue for the Leafs. It was always putting the puck in opposition's net.

I don't even know what to say anymore....

I hear what you are saying, but I recognize Tres thinking here:

1. We have a window, and not trying tells your team you don’t believe in them. You may as well throw the year away. We have a set window with this group and pissing a year away doesn’t make sense. Sends a pretty bad msg to the group and the white flag comes up afterwards.

2. Our core players are pretty much the only ones that provide offense in the playoffs. They aren’t the problem. Last year against Boston illustrates this: holmberg 0 pts, Robertson 0 pts, jarnkrok 0 pts, kampf 1 pt, dewar 0 pts, reaves 1 pt. In 7 games!

3. Opponents strategy is to keep our top forwards off the board. And they can do this because our bottom 6 does nothing. They just focus on keeping scores low and countering on our mistakes. Namely on D or weak goaltending. This is why we lost game 7. Our top guns gave us a go ahead goal in the 3rd, d and goaltending let us down. It’s been like this every playoffs.

All this to say, it’s clear to me why Tre doesn’t focus on offense. We have the talent to break games. We just need to be in the games and give them the opportunity to come through. Hopefully with a healthy mcmann and Laughton now, we will also get some depth scoring. No guarantees this changes our spring outcome, but you have to take your shot. As an example, Stolarz would have made a massive difference last spring.

 

[seanlinden]

The revolving door is because it is a struggle to find a pair that can carry him

Not really.

The revolving door has been because the Leafs never have any money to pay for a guy to be there.

His defensive partner have been:
- OEL, who is the wrong side and not a spectacular mesh.
- Myers, who is a career 6/7 defenceman making minimum wage.
- Brodie, who was a very solid partner for a number of years until he started to decline.
- Lyubushkin, who was great, but went on to sign a $3.25m deal with Dallas.
- Schenn, who was also great, but went on to sign a $2.75m deal with Nashville.
- Lybushkin again, who went on to sign a $2.75m deal with Buffalo.
- Tyson Barrie, who were both terrible fits as he & Rielly do the same things.
- Cody Ceci, who was kind of OK, but really more of a 4/5 defenceman.
- Ron Hainsey, at the tail end of his career.

 

[Roo]

Decent read on last season for Carlo: Bruins 2023-24 Report Card: Brandon Carlo - The Hockey Writers Boston Bruins Latest News, Analysis & More

Obviously, not as good a season this year, but much can be attributed to the fact that the Bruins are terrible. The question for me is whether 20 games is enough for him to find his spot and find his game with the Leafs in time for the playoffs. He should fit Berube's system well, and clearly the Leafs brass knows that.

 

[BigBadBruins7708]

Think Hal Gill with less offensive talent and better defensively.

He's honestly going to give you headaches. Prone to bad turnovers, love to just dump the puck immediately instead of looking for the outlet, and frustratingly easy to knock off the puck for his size

 

[thusk]

Marchand chose to go there. He was brought there to counter us especially. Marner is having nightmares.

Think Hal Gill with less offensive talent and better defensively.

He's honestly going to give you headaches. Prone to bad turnovers, love to just dump the puck immediately instead of looking for the outlet, and frustratingly easy to knock off the puck for his size

He will play in a similar situation he did in the past with succes alongside krug... He will not have to care about offensive, Rielly will but just concemtrate about defending pretty well.

I think it's a pretty good fit for what he could bring and what's the team needed. I think he's a perfect partner for Rielly and will really help on PK too.

 

[BigBadBruins7708]

He will play in a similar situation he did in the past with succes alongside krug... He will not have to care about offensive, Rielly will but just concemtrate about defending pretty well.

I think it's a pretty good fit for what he could bring and what's the team needed. I think he's a perfect partner for Rielly and will really help on PK too.

Agreed, you guys have needed a defense first guy for years and he'll give you that. Just that he isn't without his warts

 

[rumman]

Here's everything I've read about Carlo

- A legitimate second-pair, shutdown right-handed defenseman—solid as a #4.
- Once a top-pair guy, but his game has declined slightly, with a history of concussions.
- The Boston Bruins still value him as a reliable, stay-at-home defenseman. In his career he's gotten the toughest shutdown match up's.
- Bruins fans point out flaws in his game, particularly in the offensive zone, where he struggles with puck movement and making a clean first pass. "Offensive zone plays die on his stick" is what I've heard from a few posters.
- Lacks physicality and doesn't use his size to deliver big hits—comparable to Justin Holl in that regard.
- Fans describe Carlo as a player who "leaves you wanting more."
- While he isn't overly physical, he effectively uses his size to clear the front of the net.
- A strong character guy with leadership qualities—assistant captain material.
- Wasn't a great fit playing with Zadorov as neither were good at moving the puck. Both are stay at home guys.
- If expectations are set at a very good #4/#5 stay-at-home defenseman rather than a top pair guy, he'll be a solid addition. A good buy-low candidate with the potential to regain form, but at worst, a steady defensive presence with a right-handed shot.
- While not a true top-pair defenseman, he's still among the top 30 right-handed defensemen in the league, given the position’s scarcity.


My thoughts:
There aren’t many high-quality right-handed defensemen in the league, so when one becomes available—even with some flaws—it’s often worth considering. The fact that his stock dipped is probably a good thing—if it didn’t, you just can’t get these guys. Given Carlo’s stay-at-home style, his struggles offensively aren’t a major concern, especially since he plays the right side and can slot in with Rielly. A Rielly-Carlo pairing has the potential to be an effective second pair, with both players complementing each other well. I'm perfectly happy to pay the price, because at the end of the day, we actually fixed a glaring hold which is 2nd pair RD, with a legitimate solution. We are a much better team today. Great day imo.

Sounds like Hal Gill 2.0 to a tee with a history of concussions………

 

[rumman]

Think Hal Gill with less offensive talent and better defensively.

He's honestly going to give you headaches. Prone to bad turnovers, love to just dump the puck immediately instead of looking for the outlet, and frustratingly easy to knock off the puck for his size

Just posted the same thing, great minds and all……….

 

[thusk]

Agreed, you guys have needed a defense first guy for years and he'll give you that. Just that he isn't without his warts

Wich player doesn't come with it?

Every player had his strenght- Weakness but when a player is in the spot where he just need to concentrate to do what he's doing pretty well, his weakness will not look as high anymore.

For sure using him with guy like Zadorov, you're probably just saw the worst version of him.

 

[Leafsfan74]

I also take concerns of lack of physicality/softness from the B's fanbase with several grains of salt. Not playing with the violence they want =/= playing soft.

The Carlo we met in playoffs might not have been Chara level mean- but he wasnt soft.

I put him in the same category as Hal Gill during the Canadiens surprise upset of Pittsburgh and Final Four over a decade ago. I watched that playoff as my wife is a Habs fan and that entire team blocked shots as if they were possessed. I've not seen anything like it before or since, it was a clinic as they were completely outplayed all series but they were constantly on Crosby and blocked everything.

This Leafs D now has Tanev and Carlo, both major puck blockers. Carlo will play a similar role that Schenn played last year, paired with Reilly.

He probably walks in thinking "this team never wins", but he is going to be loved here if he plays his simple, front of the net moving, shot blocking, position, long stick, quick puck to the forwards game. Bruin fans grossly underestimate his impact. As I said, he is a +2, playing heavy minutes on a team that is -30 in goal differential. Carlo is the solution to the Bruins problems (and ours), not the villain.

This was a significant move by Brad and he paid a kings ransom for him. Laughton is an important piece but Carlo solidifies an already strong back end and his game will translate well into what Brad is trying to formulate on the back end. Opposing forwards will have to go through a wall back there. I am more concerned about Reilly than Carlo quite frankly, but Reilly played his best when he had Schenn with him. Carlo isn't as physical as Schenn, no D Man is, but he is complete shutdown and his long stick and size will frustrate players.

Both of these players are character guys and that's huge. This team now has many of them now, it's up to the high paid core to show they are worth the money they hope to receive in the offseason.

 

[Leafsfan74]

Think Hal Gill with less offensive talent and better defensively.

He's honestly going to give you headaches. Prone to bad turnovers, love to just dump the puck immediately instead of looking for the outlet, and frustratingly easy to knock off the puck for his size

YES! That's so funny. I swear with my life I didn't see your post and I specifically compared him to Hal Gill! What are the odds of that? I think of the playoffs with the Habs vs Pens specifically where Hal ate every puck.

Boston fans are knowledgeable so I trust your opinion. That is absolutely spooky though that we both mention Hal Gill as the comparable and it's a big deal for this team to have another guy like him. We have one already in Tanev.

 

[Future]

Carlo is a horse just entering his prime. Fits our needs perfectly as a LARGE top 4 RHD that is strong defensively.

To have him, Tanev, OEL, and McCabe locked in for cheap money on good term is terrific.

Time for Morgan Rielly to lose some weight and perform well… otherwise he’s gone.

 

[Roo]

Think Hal Gill with less offensive talent and better defensively.

He's honestly going to give you headaches. Prone to bad turnovers, love to just dump the puck immediately instead of looking for the outlet, and frustratingly easy to knock off the puck for his size

Hal Gill had offensive talent? LOL

Interesting for Leaf fans to note, even though he is a defensive defenseman he still scored more goals than most of our forwards last playoffs. Yes, 2 series vs 1, but still. Our bottom six was an offensive abyss last playoffs.

 

[BigBadBruins7708]

Hal Gill had offensive talent? LOL

Interesting for Leaf fans to note, even though he is a defensive defenseman he still scored more goals than most of our forwards last playoffs. Yes, 2 series vs 1, but still. Our bottom six was an offensive abyss last playoffs.

More than Carlo