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NHL Insider Confirms Leafs Fell Just Short of Trading for True Difference Maker


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Ryan Smitheram
July 7, 2025  (10:39)
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JJ Peterka was a target of the Maple Leafs
Photo credit: Timothy T. Ludwig | Imagn images

According to Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli, the Maple Leafs were close to acquiring a budding star from a division rival, but were narrowly outbid.

At the time Brandon Carlo's name appeared in trade rumours at the end of June, the Leafs were attempting to acquire J.J. Peterka. Unfortunately, the young Sabres star was shipped to the Utah Mammoth defensemen Michael Kesselring and young forward Josh Doan.

Brandon Carlo Was Reportedly a Part of the Trade Discussions Between Toronto and Buffalo

During his appearance on The Fan590 on Friday, Frank Seravalli revealed that the Leafs were ultimately outbid for Peterka with their package centering around Carlo.
"The Maple Leafs, I believe, tried to chase down J.J. Peterka in Buffalo. That's where the Brandon Carlo connection came in as Buffalo was looking for a right shot defensemen."
It seems that to many in Leafs Nation, trading Carlo, after acquiring him at the deadline to fill a void on the right side of the blueline, wouldn't have made much sense. The Leafs would have created a void on the back end (again) to fill a hole up front that was left by the departed Mitch Marner.
While the rumours around Carlo's availability have calmed, there are still reports suggesting the Leafs could deal one of their blueliners for a forward. Again, that wouldn't make much sense, but in Leafs Nation, stranger things have happened.
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JUILLET 7   |   2637 ANSWERS
NHL Insider Confirms Leafs Fell Just Short of Trading for True Difference Maker

Would you have traded Brandon Carlo in a deal for Peterka?

Yes76829.1 %
No, you create one hole to fill another154258.5 %
Depends what else the Leafs were going to give up32712.4 %
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