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Maple Leafs Trade Brandon Carlo to Blues for Two Third-Round Picks

The move highlights questions about Toronto’s asset management after an earlier trade cost the club a top prospect and a future first-round pick.

Overview

  • Toronto traded defenseman Brandon Carlo to the St. Louis Blues on Saturday for the No. 73 and No. 76 overall picks in the 2026 NHL Draft.
  • The Maple Leafs used the two picks to select winger Zach Olsen at No. 73 and defenseman Måns Gudmundsson at No. 76.
  • Carlo was originally acquired from Boston on March 7, 2025 in a package that sent prospect Fraser Minten and draft compensation that became an unprotected 2028 first-round pick to the Bruins.
  • GM John Chayka said the deal gives Carlo a "fresh start" and helps "restock the cupboards" as part of a broader reshaping of Toronto’s blue line.
  • Analysts say the trade sequence looks unfavorable for Toronto because the team surrendered Minten and a first-round pick for a player it ultimately converted into two late third-round prospects, and the club still has cap space and more defensive moves to make.