NHL Rumors: Maple Leafs & Oilers Linked to Trade
On Elliotte Friedman’s 32 Thoughts, the word is Edmonton may have at least explored Carlo’s availability, even if the league feedback sounds split between “yeah, I heard that too” and “no chance,” according to Friedman.
Why Carlo is popping up in Edmonton’s orbit
The Carlo chatter surfaced while Friedman was discussing Edmonton’s defensive issues after Tristan Jarry publicly called out the team for surrendering too many Grade A looks.
“It’s hard to envision a scenario where the Leafs tried to get better protections on that pick, and the Bruins walk away… That’s the most unforgivable part of the trade.”@JDBunkis reflects on the consequences of Maple Leafs’ trade for Brandon Carlo one year later. pic.twitter.com/eUWVJ0iOtW
— Sportsnet 590 The FAN (@FAN590) February 2, 2026
If the Oilers decide they need another steady, defensive right shot to calm things down, Carlo fits the archetype: a 29-year-old shutdown type with playoff experience, and a cap hit reported at $3.485 million through 2026 to 27 after Toronto retained salary.
Carlo has yet to record his first goal in a Maple Leafs' uniform, recording zero goals, eight assists, a +7 plus/minus rating, 102 blocked shots, 59 hits, and 19:28 average time on ice across 53 games played.
Why the Maple Leafs might actually listen
From Toronto’s side, this only becomes real if the club leans harder into the retool.
Carlo arrived from the Boston Bruins in a deal that cost Fraser Minten and a first-round pick, and he has taken heat for not being the cleanest fit next to Morgan Rielly. Still, Carlo has said he enjoys being in Toronto and wants to stay.
Brandon Carlo when he's not playing with Rielly: pic.twitter.com/Dfu20nlj8h
— LeafsTok (@LeafsTok) February 3, 2026
Before being traded to Toronto, Carlo had spent his entire career in Boston, recording 29 goals, 109 total points, and a strong +129 plus/minus rating over 617 games played and nine years.
Photo Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
