The Toronto Maple Leafs face increasing uncertainty on both ends of the ice as key players remain sidelined wiht injuries. Defenseman Brandon Carlo is likely to require a procedure for a lingering lower-body issue, head coach Craig berube revealed Tuesday, potentially extending his absence from the lineup since November 13th. The team is also without goaltender Anthony Stolarz, further compounding challenges for a Maple Leafs squad currently last in the Eastern Conference standings.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are facing a potentially lengthy absence for defenseman Brandon Carlo, as a lower-body injury isn’t responding to initial treatment.
Head coach Craig Berube told reporters on Tuesday that Carlo “probably” needs a procedure to address the issue. “He has to get something done,” Berube said. “It didn’t go the way we thought.”
Craig Berube says Brandon Carlo will miss extended time
“He has to get something done. It didn’t go the way we thought”@TSN_Sports
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) December 2, 2025
Carlo, who last played on November 13th, has appeared in 18 games this season since being acquired from the Boston Bruins at the 2025 trade deadline. The 29-year-old is in his tenth NHL season after being drafted out of the Western Hockey League’s Tri-City Americans.
The Maple Leafs’ injury woes aren’t limited to the blue line. Forward momentum has been stalled by a series of setbacks this season, and Carlo’s potential absence adds another challenge for the team as they look to climb the Eastern Conference standings.
Stolarz Remains Sidelined
Toronto also remains without goaltender Anthony Stolarz, who continues to recover from an upper-body injury.
“No real improvement there,” Berube stated regarding Stolarz’s condition. The netminder hasn’t skated since suffering the injury during a 5-3 loss to the Boston Bruins on November 11th.
Stolarz, in his second season with the Leafs, has posted a 6-5-1 record with a 3.51 goals-against average and a .884 save percentage in 13 appearances this season. The 34-year-old has also played for the Florida Panthers, Anaheim Ducks, Edmonton Oilers, and Philadelphia Flyers throughout his nine-year NHL career.
Stolarz signed a four-year, $15 million contract extension with Toronto in September.
The Maple Leafs (11-11-3) currently sit at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, highlighting the need for key players to return to health and contribute to a turnaround.
