Brandon Carlo’s Injury Worsens, Adding Pressure to a Struggling Maple Leafs Blue Line
What was initially seen as a short-term absence for Brandon Carlo has turned into something far more concerning for the Toronto Maple Leafs. After suffering an injury back on November 13 against Los Angeles, Carlo has now missed seven straight games-and based on the latest update from head coach Craig Berube, that number is about to climb.
Berube didn’t sugarcoat it. Speaking to reporters, the Leafs’ bench boss admitted Carlo’s recovery “is not going the way we thought,” signaling a significant setback in the defenseman’s rehab.
While the team hasn't disclosed the exact nature of the injury, Berube acknowledged that surgery is now likely on the table. That would mean Carlo isn’t just week-to-week anymore-he’s looking at a long-term recovery, with no clear timeline until after a procedure is completed and evaluated.
This is a tough blow for a Leafs defense already walking a tightrope.
Carlo, known for his steady, shutdown presence on the right side, had been logging heavy minutes, especially with fellow defensive stalwart Chris Tanev also sidelined. Without those two, the Leafs are missing their top pair of stay-at-home defensemen-players who do the dirty work in their own zone, kill penalties, and bring structure to a unit that’s been leaking goals.
Now, that responsibility shifts to players whose games lean more offensive. Morgan Rielly and Oliver Ekman-Larsson are both capable puck movers, but they’ll need to dig in defensively as well.
That’s not just a request-it’s a necessity. The Leafs have already allowed a conference-worst 89 goals, and without Carlo and Tanev, they’re down to a patchwork right side.
Troy Stecher, picked up off waivers, and Philippe Myers, who’s seen limited action, are next in line. While both have NHL experience, neither brings the kind of shutdown pedigree that Carlo and Tanev offer. That lack of depth and experience on the right side could be a real issue as the Leafs try to stabilize their defensive game.
The timing couldn’t be worse. Toronto’s defensive structure has been a concern all season, and now the team is being forced to lean on less familiar names in critical roles. If the Leafs are going to weather this storm, it’s going to take a collective effort-especially from their top four-to tighten things up in their own end.
Carlo’s setback doesn’t just impact the lineup-it reshapes the entire dynamic of the defense. And with no return date in sight, the Leafs are entering a stretch where their ability to adapt defensively might define their season.