Insider reveals cost for Oilers to acquire Bruins defenceman Brandon Carlo in trade
As the 2025 NHL trade deadline approaches, the Edmonton Oilers are expected to be one of the busiest teams in the league, actively looking to make moves that can push them toward their ultimate goal of winning the Stanley Cup. While the Oilers’ offense is stacked with superstars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, and their goaltending has been stable, it is the team’s defensive depth that has been a focus of much attention in recent seasons. The Oilers have struggled at times in their defensive zone, particularly in high-pressure moments, and there is an increasing sense that bolstering their blue line will be critical to their playoff success.
One name that has surfaced in the trade rumor mill is Brandon Carlo, a 6-foot-6, shutdown defenseman currently playing for the Boston Bruins. Carlo is known for his defensive prowess, physicality, and ability to match up against the league’s top offensive players. His skill set aligns perfectly with what the Oilers are seeking to add to their defensive group—someone who can complement their offensive-minded players, provide stability, and make key contributions in high-stakes situations.
In this article, we will explore the potential cost for the Oilers to acquire Brandon Carlo, how he fits into their lineup, and what the trade could mean for the team’s Stanley Cup aspirations. We’ll also discuss what the Bruins might want in return and what factors could influence the likelihood of a deal getting done before the 2025 trade deadline.
Brandon Carlo: The Perfect Fit for the Oilers’ Defensive Needs
Brandon Carlo’s skill set makes him an attractive trade target for the Oilers as they look to address some of their defensive shortcomings. The Oilers’ defense corps is composed of skilled players like Darnell Nurse, Tyson Barrie, and Evan Bouchard, but what they lack at times is a true shutdown presence—someone who can neutralize opposing forwards, especially in the playoffs, where defense becomes paramount.
Carlo, who has been with the Boston Bruins since being drafted 37th overall in the 2015 NHL Draft, is a reliable two-way defender who has grown into one of the Bruins’ most important blueliners. His game revolves around physicality, strong positioning, and the ability to clear the crease. He is not known for putting up huge offensive numbers but is an excellent penalty killer and one of the league’s best in terms of limiting scoring chances against.
With the Oilers struggling at times to maintain defensive stability, Carlo would be a perfect complement to their current group of defensemen. His size and physicality would bring a much-needed element to the team, especially in a playoff series where opposing teams will look to capitalize on any weaknesses in the Oilers’ defensive zone. Carlo would also provide an upgrade in terms of defensive depth and could potentially slide into a top-four role next to Nurse or Bouchard, depending on how the Oilers decide to balance their pairings.
What Makes Carlo Attractive to the Oilers?
- Shutdown Capability: Carlo is known for his defensive responsibility, often matching up against the opposing team’s top players. He excels in his own zone, using his size and positioning to break up plays, block shots, and clear pucks out of dangerous areas. His ability to shut down top scorers would give the Oilers the depth they need to compete against the heavy-hitting, playoff-bound teams that they will face in the postseason.
- Physical Presence: Standing at 6-foot-6, Carlo is a physical force on the ice. His size allows him to win battles along the boards, clear traffic in front of the net, and punish opponents in the corners. This added physicality would help the Oilers become more difficult to play against, especially in the postseason, where physicality is often a key factor in determining the outcome of games.
- Reliable Defensive Pairing: Carlo’s ability to play in all situations—on the penalty kill, in high-pressure moments, and against opposing top players—would make him a great asset for the Oilers. Pairing him with someone like Darnell Nurse or Evan Bouchard would give the Oilers a solid top-four defensive group capable of handling the toughest assignments on the ice.
- Playoff Experience: Carlo has already experienced significant playoff hockey with the Bruins, including playing in multiple Stanley Cup Playoffs. This experience would be invaluable for the Oilers as they look to make a deep run in the postseason. Carlo knows what it takes to compete at the highest level, and his calm and collected demeanor would bring a sense of stability to the team’s defense.
- Team-Oriented Game: Carlo’s willingness to play a simple, team-oriented game is exactly what the Oilers need in a defensive acquisition. While other teams may prioritize offensive defensemen or puck-moving blueliners, the Oilers are looking for someone who can focus on preventing goals and providing support in their own zone.
What Will It Take for the Oilers to Acquire Brandon Carlo?
While the Oilers are certainly interested in acquiring Carlo, it won’t come cheap. The Boston Bruins are in a position of strength with Carlo under contract through the 2025-2026 season, meaning they have no immediate pressure to move him. Given the Bruins’ competitive window, the team would only consider trading Carlo if they received an offer that strengthens their own lineup or provides valuable assets for the future.
To get a sense of what it would take for the Oilers to acquire Carlo, let’s break down some potential trade scenarios based on the Bruins’ needs and the Oilers’ assets.
1. High-Quality Draft Picks
The Oilers have one of the deeper prospect pools in the NHL, but they are unlikely to part with any of their top young talents, such as Evan Bouchard or Philip Broberg, for a player like Carlo. Instead, they would likely look to offer high-quality draft picks as part of the deal.
The Bruins, with their championship aspirations, may be looking for immediate help, but they could also value draft picks that allow them to continue building for the future. A first-round pick, combined with a second-round pick or multiple later-round picks, could be an attractive package for Boston to consider. The Oilers’ first-round picks, especially those in future drafts, would give the Bruins the opportunity to add high-upside prospects to their system.
2. A Young Forward Prospect
In addition to draft picks, the Bruins might be looking to add a young forward who can contribute now or in the near future. With the Oilers stacked at forward with McDavid, Draisaitl, Nugent-Hopkins, and others, the team could afford to part with a younger forward prospect who has shown potential but may not have a clear path to consistent ice time in Edmonton.
Players like Dylan Holloway or Xavier Bourgault could be included in a trade package for Carlo, as both players have high potential but may be further down the Oilers’ depth chart in terms of immediate impact. The Bruins are known for their ability to develop young talent, and a player like Holloway could be an intriguing piece to add to their forward group.
3. Expiring Contracts or Salary Cap Considerations
Given the Oilers’ cap situation and the need to make moves without compromising their financial flexibility, the Oilers could also look to offer one or more expiring contracts to help balance the trade. The Bruins might be interested in taking on a veteran player, particularly if the Oilers are looking to offload salary in exchange for acquiring Carlo.
This could include trading an expiring contract like one of the Oilers’ bottom-six forwards or a player who can provide immediate depth for the Bruins in exchange for taking on a long-term commitment like Carlo’s contract. This type of move could help the Oilers stay within the salary cap while adding the defensive depth they need for a playoff run.
Potential Trade Package for Carlo
Based on these factors, a potential trade for Brandon Carlo could look something like this:
- Edmonton Oilers Receive: Brandon Carlo
- Boston Bruins Receive: 1st-round pick (2025), Dylan Holloway (or Xavier Bourgault), and a veteran forward (expiring contract)
This package gives the Bruins immediate help in terms of an NHL-ready forward in Holloway or Bourgault, as well as the potential to add a high-quality draft pick to further bolster their future. For the Oilers, this trade would allow them to add the defensive stability they need for a deep playoff run while not sacrificing their key future assets.
