The Toronto Maple Leafs have traded defenceman Brandon Carlo to the St. Louis Blues in exchange for two third-round picks in the 2026 NHL Draft. This move is part of the Maple Leafs‘ ongoing efforts to reshape their roster, with general manager John Chayka aiming to inject more offence and speed into the team’s blueline.
The picks acquired by Toronto were used to select two 18-year-old prospects: Zach Olsen, a right winger from Calgary, and Mans Gudmundsson, a Swedish defenceman. Olsen, who played for the Saskatoon Blades, recorded 18 goals and 34 points in 57 games during his third season. Gudmundsson, a right-shot playmaker, transitioned from Farjestad‘s junior program to its professional team at the end of the past season.
Carlo’s Tenure in Toronto
Carlo, who is 29 years old, played 88 games for the Maple Leafs, including playoffs, recording 10 points and no goals. His acquisition by Toronto on March 7, 2025, involved sending forward Fraser Minten and two draft picks to Boston. This trade was made under the previous general manager, Brad Treliving, who was replaced by John Chayka two months prior to this recent trade.
During his time with the Maple Leafs, Carlo averaged 19:22 of ice time in 2025-26, despite dealing with a foot injury. He was noted for his penalty-killing abilities and shot-blocking, but his offensive contributions were limited, which contrasted with Chayka‘s stated goal of adding more puck-moving capabilities to the defence.
Carlo‘s contract, which has one season remaining, carries an average annual value of $4.1 million and a salary cap hit of just under $3.5 million. He is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent after the upcoming season. In St. Louis, Carlo is expected to play second-pair minutes behind defenceman Colton Parayko.
Blues’ Roster Adjustments
The acquisition of Carlo is one of several moves made by the St. Louis Blues as they restructure their roster. Blues general manager Doug Armstrong highlighted Carlo‘s size, experience, and ability to kill plays as key reasons for the trade. Armstrong noted that Carlo‘s presence will provide stability alongside experienced players like Philip Broberg, Colton Parayko, and Cam Fowler, while also allowing younger prospects to develop at a more measured pace.
Carlo will be reunited with St. Louis coach Jim Montgomery, under whom he played with the Boston Bruins from 2022-24. Armstrong mentioned that Montgomery spoke highly of Carlo‘s character and his fit within a team dynamic.
This trade marks the third for the Blues this week. On Tuesday, they traded Jordan Kyrou to the Washington Capitals for forwards Connor McMichael and Milton Gastrin, along with a first-round pick. On Friday, the Blues acquired forward Mason McTavish from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for two first-round picks in the 2026 draft.
Maple Leafs’ Continued Rebuilding Efforts
The Maple Leafs have been active in their roster overhaul. Recent moves include acquiring goalie Samuel Ersson and defenceman Emil Andrae from the Philadelphia Flyers on June 16, in a trade that sent goalie Joseph Woll and defenceman Simon Benoit to Philadelphia. The following day, Jim Hiller was hired as the new coach, replacing Craig Berube.
Additionally, the Maple Leafs acquired defenceman Darren Raddysh from the Tampa Bay Lightning for a fifth-round selection in the 2026 draft, with Raddysh subsequently signing an eight-year contract. The team also selected forward Gavin McKenna as the No. 1 overall pick on Friday.
Chayka‘s investment in players like Darren Raddysh and the expected return of Chris Tanev from rehabilitation have shifted Carlo down the depth chart on the right side of the defence. The general manager has indicated that more roster changes are anticipated in the coming week.
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Source: toronto.citynews.ca
