Another Leafs Top-4 Defenseman Officially Lands on Injured Reserve: Rookie Recalled From Marlies

Another week, another Leafs player landing on injured reserve, as the team has announced on Monday that defenseman Brandon Carlo is the latest casualty, placing the defenseman on IR, retroactive to November 13th.

The Leafs did not need this, as they're already missing the likes of Auston Matthews, Chris Tanev, Scott Laughton, and Anthony Stolarz. Adding Carlo to the list amid a 5-game losing streak creates yet another wrinkle that the team will have to overcome while shorthanded.

On Saturday, GM Brad Treliving helped the Leafs out by putting in a waiver claim on veteran defenseman Troy Stecher -- a feisty right-shot blueliner that can step in and help the team bide their time while they work their way back to full health. It appears as though they knew this was coming with Carlo.

The Carlo IR placement was not the only transaction the Maple Leafs announced on Monday, as the team also announced that they have recalled Toronto Marlies leading scorer Jacob Quillan, who has amassed 14 points in 14 games thus far this season.

Quillan is unlikely to suit up for the Leafs on Tuesday evening when they host the Blues, as the former NCAA star has not yet practiced with the team. Still, if he gets a couple of practices in and the injury issues linger, he could receive a golden opportunity to test his mettle in the NHL and to show what he can do at the next level.

Quillan played just 1 game for the Maple Leafs last season, and didn't produce any points, but thrived in his first full AHL season, scoring 18 goals and 37 points in 67 games. This year, he had a very strong training camp, and he has made the most of his opportunity in the AHL, proving deserving of a call-up.

For the Leafs, it's been a tough showing this season, owners of an 8-9-2 record through 19 games thus far. Hopefully the group can band together and begin a turnaround of sorts, starting with a win on Tuesday against Berube's former Blues, who are 6-9-4 to begin their season.