NHL Rumors: Maple Leafs Having Buyers Remorse With Brandon Carlo?

Wednesday, November 12, 2025 , ,
Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Brandon Carlo reacts during 2025 game.

The Toronto Maple Leafs buyer’s remorse on Brandon Carlo is becoming a real talking point as the blue line sputters and the goals against pile up game after game.

After paying a premium to land the stay-at-home defender, Toronto has watched the pairing and puck movement fall short of expectations through the first month. Analyst James Mirtle on Sportsnet 590 The FAN went a step further, saying the team already explored moving Carlo in the offseason.

Carlo Was Shopped for JJ Peterka

According to Mirtle, Toronto discussed a swap that would have sent Brandon Carlo to the Buffalo Sabres for JJ Peterka. The framework mirrored what Buffalo eventually did, with the winger later heading to the Utah Mammoth while the Sabres brought in a big right-shot defenseman elsewhere. 

In short, the Maple Leafs considered sacrificing size on the back end to add a fast, top-six winger, then passed. In hindsight, that kind of speed and secondary scoring would help a forward group that leans heavily on William Nylander while the defense struggles to exit cleanly. 

What It Means Now for Toronto’s Blue Line

Carlo’s basic numbers are steady, but the fit has been uneasy and the group still lacks enough true puck movers to get the team up ice consistently. 

With results lagging and the schedule tightening, this raises an obvious question for GM Brad Treliving: revisit Carlo’s market before the 2026 deadline, or change the mix by promoting a more mobile piece internally. 

Either way, the early returns suggest Toronto may have guessed wrong on what its defense needed most.

Photo Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images 

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