What happened: Toronto moved Brandon Carlo during the 2026 NHL Draft for two third-round picks. With camp nearing, that offseason decision is again being judged as one of the Maple Leafs' bigger missteps.

Why it matters: It matters because Toronto is coming off its first missed playoff berth since 2016, which leaves little room for shrugging off contested roster calls. Any renewed debate over Carlo feeds a larger question about whether the club turned immediate help into future assets at the wrong time.

What to watch: Camp and preseason roster decisions will shape how much this move lingers. If Toronto spends the next few weeks still searching for lineup stability, the Carlo trade will stay in the conversation.