“Getting thrown in the hot water” - Defenseman Brandon Carlo adjustment in Maple Leafs

Change is never easy, especially when it involves leaving behind a city where you spent nearly a decade. For defenseman Brandon Carlo, the transition from the Boston Bruins to the Toronto Maple Leafs has been both challenging and exciting. Now, nearly two weeks after the high-profile trade, Carlo is settling into his new role on one of the NHL's most storied franchises.

The blockbuster trade that sent Brandon Carlo to the Maple Leafs was a significant shake-up for both teams. In exchange for the 6-foot-5 blue liner, Boston received a first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft (top-five protected), a fourth-round pick in 2025, and promising forward Fraser Minten. It was a deal that made waves across the league, considering Carlo had spent his entire NHL career in a Bruins jersey.
In just five games with the Leafs, Carlo has already started to make an impact. He has registered an assist, holds a plus-one rating, and has been slotted into the team’s top defensive pairing alongside Morgan Rielly. His defensive presence and ability to log big minutes have been evident, proving why Toronto made a move for him ahead of the trade deadline.
"I mean, talk about getting thrown in the hot water there for a second,” Carlo admitted. "It's been like, what, nine days since I played my first game with these guys with Toronto? It seems like a lot more. So much has happened.”

Carlo’s arrival wasn’t without its challenges. In his first game donning the blue and white, he found himself in a fast-paced battle that saw him on the ice for four goals in the opening period, two for and two against. But despite the chaotic start, he finished the night leading the team in blocked shots (six) and ice time (22:04), showing that head coach Craig Berube has high expectations for him.
With two years remaining on his six-year, $24.6 million contract (with Boston retaining 15% of his salary), Carlo is poised to play a crucial role for Toronto as they push toward the playoffs. His ability to match up against elite offensive talent will be invaluable in the Leafs’ quest for a deep postseason run.
“Yeah, it seems so long ago that we faced Colorado in that first game. Now we're playing them again, and I feel a lot more comfortable than I did that night, more comfortable overall at being a Maple Leaf,” Carlo said.
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While adjusting to a new system and a new city takes time, Carlo is embracing the opportunity. As the games roll on, it’s clear that Toronto has gained a battle-tested defenseman ready to contribute when it matters most—blocking shots, winning battles in the corners, and giving his team a reliable force in critical matchups. With each passing game, his presence grows stronger, solidifying his role as a key piece in Toronto’s defensive structure.