Brad Treliving May Be Forced to Trade Top Defenseman Due to Asset Shortage
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving may need to trade Brandon Carlo as a way to acquire the right pieces, given their lack of assets according to James Mirtle.
There are several questions surrounding the Toronto Maple Leafs and Brad Treliving's plans when it comes to the offseason. They have been linked to big names like Sam Bennett, they are potentially seeing John Tavares walk, and Matthew Knies is still without a contract.
Toronto could send Brandon Carlo away due to lack of trade assets
Besides all of that, the team needs to fill several holes in their lineup and without the proper draft assets or prospects besides Easton Cowan; it's slim pickings.
Which is why Maple Leafs analyst and NHL Insider James Mirtle believes the team could use one of their stronger assets on the team in order to get what they need; specifically defenseman Brandon Carlo.
Speaking on the JD Bunkis podcast on Sportsnet's FAN 590, Mirtle explained that the Maple Leafs might be willing to part with Carlo to bring in other assets given that he is fairly cheap and has no trade protection:
A name I could see being moved due to the lack of assets the team has is Brandon Carlo; I know they just got him but he's fairly affordable and would help a lot of teams plus he has no protection, so it makes a deal a bit easier.
While it would be a bit odd to see Toronto give up on him especially knowing what they gave away for him but if they are truly desperate to get some new faces in, it might be a necessary evil.
Brandon Carlo should stay with Toronto but nothing is guaranteed
Carlo, 28, had 12 points in split between Boston and Toronto. He was acquired at the deadline for Fraser Minten and a first-round pick, and put up three assists in 20 games for the Maple Leafs.
He's your typical stay-at-home defenseman who is known for shutting down opponents, blocking shots and throwing punishing hits. Drafted 37th overall by the Bruins in 2015, Carlo made a name for himself as a true shutdown blueliner.
Which is why Toronto needs to keep him on board, and if they aren't going to be moving Morgan Rielly, at least Carlo gives him a proper partner to lessen the defensive load somewhat.
He only costs $4.1-million for the next couple seasons, and with a rising salary cap and his age, it's a very reasonable contract to keep around.
But this is the new-look Maple Leafs and it feels like there are only a few untouchables on the roster.
If they are willing to potentially let John Tavares walk, they might have no issues sending Carlo out for some other faces.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 23 | 663 ANSWERS Brad Treliving May Be Forced to Trade Top Defenseman Due to Asset Shortage Should the Maple Leafs trade Brandon Carlo? | ||
| Yes | 143 | 21.6 % |
| No | 520 | 78.4 % |
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