The Toronto Maple Leafs will be without key defenceman Brandon Carlo for a significant stretch, with head coach Craig Berube confirming the veteran blueliner is likely to undergo surgery.
Injury Details and Timeline
Brandon Carlo returned to Toronto from the team's road trip for further evaluation on a lower-body injury. The update, delivered by Berube on Tuesday morning, was not positive. "He has to get something done," Berube told reporters in Florida, where the Leafs are set to face the Panthers. "It didn't go the way we thought." When asked directly if the 29-year-old Carlo would require surgery, Berube responded with a definitive "Probably."
Carlo has been out of the lineup since November 13th, when he last played against the Los Angeles Kings. The team has posted a record of 3-3-1 in the seven games since his injury.
Stecher Steps Up in Carlo's Absence
The immediate implications for the Leafs' blue line have been mitigated by the strong play of waiver acquisition Troy Stecher. Claimed from the Edmonton Oilers on November 15th, Stecher has slotted into the lineup seamlessly. He is set to play his seventh game for Toronto against Florida, averaging 17 minutes and 27 seconds of ice time per game—slightly above his career average.
"Overall, I feel like I've had my legs, which is a strength of mine," Stecher said. "In saying that, there are some details I've seen on film that I'd definitely like to clean up... I feel good and just like anybody, you're always striving to be better every day."
His effective play has lessened the immediate pressure on General Manager Brad Treliving to seek a trade for an experienced defenceman. However, with Chris Tanev also sidelined with an upper-body injury, the team's defensive depth remains a concern. Another injury on the back end could force Treliving's hand.
Other Team Updates and Playoff Rematch
In other injury news, Berube indicated that goaltender Anthony Stolarz, out since November 11th with an upper-body issue, remains off the ice with "no real improvement" in his condition.
The game against the Panthers marks the first meeting between the two teams since Florida eliminated Toronto in seven games during the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs. The matchup carries extra weight as both clubs are currently tied for last place in the Eastern Conference with 25 points each, though Florida has played one fewer game.
For the Tuesday night contest, the Leafs will make one lineup change. Defenceman Simon Benoit, who missed the previous game to attend a funeral, will return to the lineup, while Dakota Mermis will be a healthy scratch. Joseph Woll is confirmed as the starting goaltender for Toronto.
