The Real Reason the Maple Leafs Missed Out on Brayden Schenn, According to Elliotte Friedman

The Toronto Maple Leafs were heavily linked to Schenn throughout the early part of the season leading up to the NHL's deadline, a move that ultimately did not come to fruition as the 33-year-old ultimately stayed in St. Louis.

According to Elliotte Friedman, the Toronto Maple Leafs had one key thing holding them back from Schenn, and it was a familiar face to the team.

Friedman reports that Brayden Schenn was hoping to be acquired to a team willing to take on his older brother, Luke.

Luke did end up moving to the Winnipeg Jets, but Brayden stayed put in St. Louis, helping the team escape from a bottom feeder to an eventual playoff team.

Friedman reports that the Leafs considered a deal for both Schenn's, but ultimately said move did not come to fruition for whatever reason.

Though there's no obvious reason for Schenn being prevented from being traded. However, it seems that Leafs fans believe that Kyle Dubas is the one who perpetrated things due to his impatience at dealing Schenn at the trade deadline.

Toronto, who had a hole on defense as was the case at center hence the targeting of Brayden Schenn, ended up with Boston Bruins defenseman Brandon Carlo on D, and Philadelphia Flyers forward Scott Laughton down the middle.

Ultimately, things ended right as hoped for Brayden Schenn who joined a Stanley Cup contender, although said team being the one he was originally a part of.

Although some Leafs fans have been critical of Laughton since joining the team, having just four points in 20 games played with Toronto, the addition of Carlo has been welcomed as the defenseman has been impactful defensively for the club.

If the Toronto Maple Leafs were to unite the Schenn brothers, they'd have had no need for acquiring Laughton and would not, but as well would likely not have acquired Brandon Carlo as Luke filled that role.

Depending on how the Stanley Cup Playoffs go, the Toronto Maple Leafs may end up regretting their decision depending on how things shake out if they made the right choice or not.