If you never thought you’d see the Maple Leafs and Bruins cooperate and make a trade, you’re not alone, but that’s exactly what happened on deadline day. No, it’s not Brad Marchand, but it’s still significant.

It was announced just after the 3 p.m. trade deadline that the Maple Leafs are acquiring defenceman Brandon Carlo from the Bruins in exchange for prospect Fraser Minten. It’s expected Toronto may be sending more pieces to Boston as part of the deal.

Until then, make sure to check out our 2025 NHL trade tracker for a complete list of deals.

Brandon Carlo

Carlo, 28, has one goal and nine points in 63 games with the Bruins this season, while averaging 18:46 of ice time per game.

The right-shot defenceman is signed for two more seasons after this one for a $4.1 million cap hit. Toronto gets cost certainty, a reasonable contract and some much needed grit in the lineup.

Carlo, who was drafted 37th overall by Boston in 2015, has 29 goals and 109 points in 617 career NHL games. His best season came in 2019-20 when he finished with four goals and 19 points while averaging 20:19 of ice time.

Fraser Minten

Minten, 20, is Toronto’s top prospect outside of Easton Cowan. He has two goals and four points in 15 games with the Maple Leafs this season and six goals and 13 points with the AHL’s Toronto Marlies.

Drafted 38th overall by Toronto in 2022, Minten’s offensive ceiling isn’t as high as Cowan’s, but he’s much better defensively and generally thought to be the more NHL-ready of the two prospects.