A strong showing from Brandon Carlo comes at an interesting time for the Maple Leafs

Brandon Carlo has not been his best self this season, and it's been a struggle for both himself and the Toronto Maple Leafs, but it would appear that some positivity is coming for the Leafs defenseman if his recent play is an indication.

A breakout performance Tuesday against the Florida Panthers is reason to believe that things are turning for Carlo, with the 29-year-old being one of the Leafs top players.

Data from the game shows that Carlo was efficient for the Leafs at both ends, despite just two points this season, with the best of his game coming from even strength, showcasing renewed energy and a presence on the Leafs blueline.

Carlo's play against Florida is less an outlier and more of the game that had defined Carlo back in the Boston and cause for the hefty price the Leafs paid to acquire him.

Having been limited to just 19 games this season for the Leafs due to injury, Carlo has returned to the lineup with some strong play, and it's coming at just the right time for Toronto.

Brandon Carlo is showing signs that he is heating up, and potentially do so in a critical moment for the Toronto Maple Leafs season.

The Leafs are coming off a 5-3-2 record, escaping from the basement of the Eastern Conference and closer to a playoff spot, building momentum in a crucial time at the NHL's midway point.

The Leafs are still dealing with injuries to the blueline even with the return of Carlo, with Chris Tanev and Jake McCabe out of the lineup for a Toronto team this season that has never seen full health.

Just as positive is the partnership between Carlo and Morgan Rielly being able to bring the best out of one another, Carlo's stay-at-home style able to play reliable defensive coverage for Rielly to activate on offense and play a puck carrying role.

Carlo-Rielly were a reliable pair last season as well, balancing the two playstyles and proving to be an effective pairing for the Leafs top pairing.

Even if Carlo isn't racking up points, having him able to be a physical presence that can play a reliable defensive game is necessary for the Leafs to turn around their season, especially as injuries have players like Carlo tasked with doing even more.

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