The Toronto Maple Leafs are reportedly set to remain sellers as we inch closer to the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline. As they headed into the Olympic break, they won three games in a row and picked up six points out of a possible eight. That has some fans wondering if they should pivot to buying and try to make a run. However, it appears clear that the front office is still planning to sell assets and reset the team.
Related: Oliver Ekman-Larsson Is Maple Leafs’ Best Trade Chip Ahead of 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 anyone else, and one name that has started to pick up some steam is Brandon Carlo. This was discussed on the latest episode of 32 Thoughts the Podcast, when Elliotte Friedman brought up the possibility of the Edmonton Oilers being interested in him to help solidify their blue line heading into the playoffs.
Oilers Linked to Carlo
As mentioned, Friedman tossed around the idea of the Oilers being a fit for Carlo if he were to be traded. It was speculative and may not turn into anything, but it is 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.
“I’m curious to see how the Oilers react to Jarry saying that, and number two, I’m also curious to see how, like, if the fact that the goalie actually comes out and says it, is okay. It’s not a coach saying this anymore; it’s the goalie we just went out and got who said it. How does that resonate in their room? Do they get mad or do they say wait a sec this isn’t a coach, this is our peer. This is one of the guys we went out and got. It’s interesting too because I heard some talk that they might be interested in a guy like Brandon Carlo.”
This comes after some recent drama in Edmonton following comments made by goaltender Tristan Jarry, who spoke publicly about the team needing to be better.
“It’s tough. I think the chances that we are giving up, some of the shots, they’re tough. A lot of Grade As, a lot of breakdowns. It’s tough to really think about your game at this point. I think it’s the whole team.”
Carlo’s fit with the Oilers is there. He is a right-handed shot who could easily slot in on their second pairing and provide some stability. He also fits what Edmonton has reportedly been looking for. There have been reports that they want a defenseman who is “Ekholm Junior” and Carlo fits that mold. He is a defensive-minded defenseman 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 on the open market. A player like Ty Emberson could be part of the return, or it could be centred 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 gave up to acquire him from the Boston Bruins.
