The Montreal Canadiens are looking to add more size and strength to their defense, with the right side drawing particular attention. Their search could lead them toward a player who already has experience in the Eastern Conference.
The Toronto Maple Leafs moved that defenseman to St. Louis earlier this year, but his contract and playing style could make him relevant to Montreal in the near future.
Montreal Canadiens Linked to Brandon Carlo
The player drawing attention is Brandon Carlo, who was identified as a potential Canadiens target by NHL insider Anthony Di Marco on Campbell vs Gallo.
Di Marco said Montreal was looking for “a big right-shot guy” and had previously been linked to both Rasmus Ristolainen and Carlo around the trade deadline.
Carlo fits the physical profile Montreal has been seeking.
The 6-foot-5 defenseman carries a $4.1 million cap hit and is entering the final season of his six-year, $24.6 million contract. He will become an unrestricted free agent after the 2026-27 season, giving Montreal another potential option if the Blues decide to move him.
The Canadiens’ interest also makes sense from a roster-construction standpoint.
Montreal has several left-handed defensemen, while adding a reliable right-handed presence would give the blueline more balance. Arber Xhekaj has also drawn interest from rival teams, potentially creating a path for Montreal to use its defensive surplus in a larger transaction.
Carlo’s situation in St. Louis could become especially interesting if the Blues fall out of contention. The Blues acquired him from the Maple Leafs on June 27 for 2 third-round picks, meaning their initial investment was relatively modest.
This could make Carlo an attractive trade chip if St. Louis decides to recoup additional assets before his contract expires.
Montreal would also have a financial reason to consider the move. Carlo’s $4.1 million cap hit is lower than Ristolainen’s $5.1 million figure, while both players offer the physical presence the Canadiens want. Carlo brings reach, gap control, and defensive responsibility, whereas Ristolainen offers a more physical style and stronger offensive production.
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For the Canadiens, the decision would come down to how much they value stability on the right side. Carlo has 85 career playoff games, giving him considerably more postseason experience than many of Montreal’s younger defensemen.
If the Blues view him as a movable asset during the season, Montreal could have a reason to revisit a defenseman it previously considered.
