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Brandon Carlo's latest recovery update includes a notable step forward


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Charlie McAfee
December 27, 2025  (10:43)
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Apr 26, 2025; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Brandon Carlo (25) controls the puck in game four of the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Ottawa Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images
Photo credit: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Brandon Carlo is back on the ice a few weeks after foot surgery, although a timeline for his return is still up in the air.

It's been a rough season so far for Brandon Carlo, as not only has he been less effective than expected but he's been out for the last month with a foot injury suffered against the Los Angeles Kings on Nov. 13.
He had foot surgery on Dec. 3 so there's hope that he is going to return at some point, though there has been no indication as to when that's gonna happen.

Brandon Carlo seen skating three weeks after foot surgery

However on Saturday morning we got a hugely positive update regarding Carlo's recovery, and it's one step closer to him coming back; and it might be at the perfect time.
Carlo was seen skating ahead of the team's practice on Saturday as he works towards hid eventual comeback, and he even stayed on the ice for the team's practice (one that had an unusually high amount of blueliners too).
In addition to the regular top-six, the team also saw Henry Thrun, Simon Benoit, and Philippe Myers join Carlo as extra defenders for practice.
It's a huge boost to the future lineup knowing that although Carlo suffered a setback earlier regarding his recovery, it wasn't a huge issue thanks to the proactiveness of both the player and the Maple Leafs.

Toronto needs Carlo to get healthy and stay that way

Electing for a quick surgery, whatever the issues were seem to at least be partially resolved and he's healthy enough to not only put pressure on his foot, but be able to participate in a rigorous practice.
It feels like this is going to be a make or break season for Carlo; at least when it comes to his time in Toronto. Acquired last trade deadline for Fraser Minten and a first-round pick, he hasn't been that staunch shutdown defender the team hoped for when bringing him in.
In 38 games with the Maple Leafs thus far, Carlo has five assists, 72 blocks, and 38 hits and a plus-six in 19:37 TOI.
Thankfully it looks like Carlo's recovery is on the right path, and if he can come in and solidify a defense that is slowly getting healthier and becoming more of what the team needs -- then the playoffs might not be so far out of reach.
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Brandon Carlo's latest recovery update includes a notable step forward

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