Brandon Carlo was never Toronto's first choice as old trade target re-emerges as potential fit
Photo credit: James Carey Lauder-Imagn Images
Brandon Carlo's trade seemed to be a bit rushed and thanks to an old name re-emerging in trade discussions on social media -- we have a better idea of why.
Last year for the Maple Leafs, they had a lot of questions regarding over which type of player they were going to bring in at the deadline. They were linked to big names like Brayden Schenn and Erik Karlsson, but settled on Scott Laughton and Brandon Carlo instead.
It wasn't exactly the splash they were trying to make and while Laughton has been a solid addition, the trade for Carlo has backfired spectacularly and there is a thought he could be dealt twice in as many seasons.
Toronto's murky situation caused by one team's refusal to trade
The whole situation could have been avoided though if the Maple Leafs got a little lucky and were able to get one team to play ball.
According to a report from Ottawa Senators beat reporter Bruce Garrioch (courtesy of the Ottawa Citizen) back in May 2025, the Maple Leafs were close to acquiring Philadelphia Flyers defenceman Rasmus Ristolainen last season however were rebuffed:
League executives also suggested the Senators could try to see if they can find a fit with the Philadelphia Flyers for right-shot blueliner Rasmus Ristolainen, who has two years left at $5.1 million per season.
But it should be noted that the Toronto Maple Leafs tried desperately to get Ristolainen at the trade deadline in March, and were rebuffed.
The Leafs offered the moon and couldn’t get him out of there,” a league source said.
But it should be noted that the Toronto Maple Leafs tried desperately to get Ristolainen at the trade deadline in March, and were rebuffed.
The Leafs offered the moon and couldn’t get him out of there,” a league source said.
Instead, the team shifted gears and traded for Carlo and the fact the team was able to pull off a deal with Philly anyways to get Laughton, it's a wonder how the team couldn't find a package deal suitable enough.
Toronto's Brandon Carlo trade seemed to be a last minute affair thanks to Flyers
Struggling with injuries this season, Ristolainen's only appeared in 16 games and has three points, and has been a far cry from his usual two-way dominance.
But looking back on it, that rebuff really set a course for disaster. While it's not guaranteed that Minten wouldn't be going to Philadelphia in a deal either, settling on Carlo at the last minute is starting to look more and more like a rush job -- one that only happens if Philly says no.
Right now, it seems like the only person who is feeling pretty good about things is Fraser Minten. Thriving in Boston, it's a genuine loss for the Maple Leafs who could have used his presence in the lineup.
But they also could have used Rasmus Ristolainen, but thanks to GM Daniel Briere it was a no-go, setting in motion the events leading up to today.
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| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 1|1493 ANSWERS Brandon Carlo was never Toronto's first choice as old trade target re-emerges as potential fit Should Brandon Carlo's trade be considered a failure for the Toronto Maple Leafs? | ||
| Yes | 1209 | 81 % |
| No | 284 | 19 % |
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