The Toronto Maple Leafs' defensive corps is on the verge of receiving a significant boost as veteran blueliner Brandon Carlo progresses towards a return to game action.
Carlo Returns to the Ice After Surgery
Defenceman Brandon Carlo, who has been sidelined since November 13 and underwent foot surgery on December 3, was a full participant in the team's Saturday morning skate. Observers noted the 28-year-old did not appear tentative during the session, a positive sign in his rehabilitation process.
"Good to see, he's coming along pretty well," said Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube. "He'll be skating regularly now and hopefully, there's no setbacks. We'll get him going."
Coach Berube Cautious on Timeline
While the sight of Carlo on the ice is encouraging, Coach Berube preached patience regarding an exact return date. He stopped short of confirming Carlo would be available for the team's upcoming games, which include a back-to-back set against Ottawa and Detroit, followed by a match with New Jersey.
"I wouldn't jump there yet," Berube stated. "We have to see where he is going forward and he hasn't been in any real practice with the team."
Carlo's impending return follows the recent comeback of fellow veteran defenceman Chris Tanev. His presence will provide the Leafs with more experience and stability on the back end as they navigate a tight playoff race.
Defensive Pairings Taking Shape
With Tanev already back, Berube has begun to solidify his defensive pairings. He has reunited Tanev with Jake McCabe and is testing a duo of Oliver Ekman-Larsson with Troy Stecher. The top pair currently features Morgan Rielly alongside the stay-at-home presence of Philippe Myers, with Simon Benoit serving as a reserve.
Ekman-Larsson expressed his enthusiasm about the defensive unit getting healthier. "Good for Brandon and everybody knows Chris is a big part of this room and this organization, putting his body on the line," Ekman-Larsson said. "It's the time of the year where you do that even more. In the position we've put ourselves in, getting him back is huge for us."
Before Saturday's games, the Maple Leafs found themselves five points out of a wildcard playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, underscoring the importance of adding a player of Carlo's caliber.
Stolarz Remains Indefinite
While the blue line gets healthier, one key injury remains a question mark. Goaltender Anthony Stolarz, who sustained an upper-body injury on November 11 in Boston, was seen in the gym on Saturday but his timeline for return is still unclear.
Berube described Stolarz's status simply as "indefinite right now," leaving the team's goaltending depth a point of ongoing evaluation.
The potential return of Brandon Carlo represents a critical step for the Maple Leafs as they aim to solidify their defensive play and climb the standings in the second half of the NHL season.
