As the Olympic break draws near and NHL trade chatter hits a fever pitch, don’t be surprised if things start moving quickly over the next 24 hours. Front offices are working the phones, and while not every rumor will materialize into a deal, some of the names being floated are turning heads.
One of the more intriguing developments? The Edmonton Oilers have reportedly kicked the tires on Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Brandon Carlo.
That nugget came via Elliotte Friedman on 32 Thoughts, and while reactions around the league have varied-some insiders backing the buzz, others waving it off-the mere mention of Carlo in connection with Edmonton is enough to spark some real conversation.
Why Now? Timing Is Everything
The timing of this potential link is notable. Friedman’s report came just as the Oilers are facing renewed scrutiny on the back end, especially after goaltender Tristan Jarry’s eyebrow-raising postgame comments following a tough loss to Minnesota. Jarry, who’s still relatively new to the locker room, didn’t hold back-he pointed directly at the team’s defensive breakdowns and the high volume of Grade-A chances being allowed.
It wasn’t your typical “we all need to be better” postgame soundbite. Jarry shifted the spotlight away from himself and toward the team’s structure, suggesting that the Oilers’ style of play is making life difficult for their netminders. That’s a bold stance for a newcomer, especially when compared to Stuart Skinner’s more deferential approach, where he often took the blame regardless of what went wrong in front of him.
Jarry’s comments might have done more than just stir up headlines-they could be nudging management to take a hard look at the blue line. If the Oilers are serious about tightening things up defensively, a player like Carlo might be exactly what they’re after.
Brandon Carlo: A Fit for Edmonton’s Needs?
Carlo, 29, checks a lot of boxes for a team like Edmonton. He’s a right-shot, stay-at-home defenseman with a strong defensive presence and playoff experience. His cap hit-$3.485 million through the 2026-27 season-is manageable, especially since Toronto already retained some salary in the trade that brought him over from Boston.
But his time in Toronto has been a bit uneven. Since arriving in a deal that sent Fraser Minten and a first-round pick to the Bruins, Carlo hasn’t quite lived up to expectations. Some of that may be circumstantial-his pairing with Morgan Rielly hasn’t always clicked-but the question remains: is there more to unlock in Carlo’s game with a change of scenery?
That’s what makes this potential fit with the Oilers so interesting. Edmonton is reportedly looking for a player in the mold of Mattias Ekholm-a steady, no-frills blueliner who brings structure and poise to the back end. Carlo might not be Ekholm, but he could be a version of that-an “Ekholm Jr.” of sorts-if deployed in the right role.
Defined Roles, Defined Targets
Friedman emphasized that Edmonton’s front office is targeting players who understand and accept their roles. They’re not swinging for the fences here-they want depth players who can come in, play their part, and help stabilize the lineup.
Carlo fits that mold on paper. Whether he ends up in orange and blue remains to be seen, but the Oilers’ interest suggests they’re not just window shopping.
With the Olympic break looming and teams eager to fine-tune their rosters, this is the kind of under-the-radar move that could gain traction fast. Carlo’s name being in the mix might be just the beginning.