Maple Leafs Eye Brandon Carlo as Key Trade Chip Amid Struggles

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Brandon Carlo is being considered a potential trade candidate as the team struggles. The 28-year-old right-shot blueliner, currently sidelined by a lower-body injury and off to a slow start, is in the fifth year of a six-year, $4.1 million contract. Toronto retains $3.485 million of his cap hit, making him an attractive option for cap-strapped teams seeking a top-four defenseman. While moving him would create a defensive hole, he's seen as an easy asset to move, potentially fetching a significant return.