Maple Leafs get a much-needed boost on the blueline after injuries hit hard

A boost may be coming for the Leafs as defenseman Brandon Carlo is back practicing with the team, skating on the top pair during practice alongside Morgan Rielly.

Carlo hasn't played since Dec. 13th, one of many injuries that have impacted Toronto's defense, including currently Chris Tanev, Jake McCabe, and Dakota Mermis all on the sidelines.

Carlo has two points in 18 games this season, but has been effective in the defensive end for Toronto, his potential return filling deep holes within the right side.

It's unclear if Carlo will play tomorrow vs. Florida, but the 29-year-old appears to have an optimistic path forward for a close return to the ice.

Brandon Carlo outlined what caused him to miss time for Toronto, and why his injury caused him to require surgery, based on an old aggravation.

Carlo told reporters that a plate in his ankle from eight years ago got infected, requiring surgery to fix up the issue, something that was expected to be a maintenance issue, but the complications from the infection causing more time away for Carlo.

Carlo said that he feels better, and could play as soon as tomorrow vs Florida, but his return is still up in the air as he tests his ankle as being ready to go or not.

Defenseman Marshall Rifai was recalled from the AHL, but a report from Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun says that the move is strictly roster related with William Nylander being placed on injured reserve.

If Carlo is unavailable to play, it would be likely that Matthew Benning, who made his season debut Saturday against the Islanders, would insert the lineup in Carlo's place, although if he'd play with Rielly or elsewhere is unknown.

In additional defensive news, Dakota Mermis practiced separately alongside netminder Anthony Stolarz as both work towards a potential return.

Mermis was injured in early December after a knee-on-knee with Tampa Bay's Gage Goncalves. There is no set timeline for the return of either Mermis or Stolarz.

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