Maple Leafs Acquire Defenseman Brandon Carlo From Bruins

Friday, March 07, 2025 ,

The Toronto Maple Leafs pulled off a major last-minute trade deadline move, acquiring defenseman Brandon Carlo from the Boston Bruins in exchange for center prospect Fraser Minten and a 2026 first-round pick. 

The deal, which also involved the Pittsburgh Penguins, saw Toronto send Conor Timmins and Connor Dewar to Pittsburgh for a late-round draft selection to clear cap space. 

Carlo, a 6-foot-5, right-shot defenseman, brings size, strong defensive instincts, and proven penalty-killing ability to a Maple Leafs blue line that had been in need of reinforcement. 

His $4.1 million cap hit runs through 2027, making him a long-term addition rather than a short-term rental.

Carlo’s arrival immediately strengthens the Leafs’ top-four defense, providing a reliable partner for Morgan Rielly and solidifying a group that also includes Jake McCabe and Chris Tanev. 

“He plays a real meat-and-potatoes kind of game,” one analyst noted, praising Carlo’s ability to shut down opposing top lines. Toronto’s penalty kill, which has struggled for much of the season, should see a major boost with Carlo’s presence, addressing a key weakness ahead of the playoffs. 

The trade follows Toronto’s earlier acquisition of center Scott Laughton from the Philadelphia Flyers, reinforcing both their forward depth and defensive stability as they push for an Atlantic Division title.

“This is about giving the group a real chance to win,” a team source said. Carlo’s playoff experience and shutdown abilities make him a crucial addition, and with two more years on his contract, he will be a key part of Toronto’s core moving forward. 

As the deadline dust settles, the Leafs have positioned themselves as serious contenders, making it clear they are all-in on a deep postseason run.

Photo Credit: Natalie Reid-Imagn Images

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