Toronto Maple Leafs Shut Down Carlo, Joshua, and Stolarz for Remainder of Season
The Toronto Maple Leafs have officially confirmed that defenceman Brandon Carlo, forward Dakota Joshua, and goaltender Anthony Stolarz will miss the rest of the 2025-26 regular season. Head coach Craig Berube announced the news on Saturday morning, April 11, 2026, following a series of injuries sustained during a Wednesday loss to the Washington Capitals.
With only three games remaining in a challenging season, the organization is shifting its focus toward player recovery and providing opportunities for younger talent. Berube clarified that whereas all three players are sidelined, none of their injuries will require surgery.
Breakdown of the Injuries
The injuries occurred during the same contest against Washington, leading to a significant void in the Leafs’ roster for the final stretch of the season:
- Anthony Stolarz: The goaltender exited the game early in the first period after making a pad save, requiring assistance from a trainer to leave the ice.
- Dakota Joshua: The forward left the game following a hit from Rasmus Sandin.
- Brandon Carlo: The veteran defenceman also sustained an injury during the game, though the specific nature of the injury remains undisclosed.
Player Performance and Season Impact
The loss of these three veterans comes at a time when the Maple Leafs are evaluating their roster and draft positioning.
Anthony Stolarz
Stolarz struggled with injuries throughout the campaign, limiting him to 26 appearances and 25 starts. He finished his season with a 10-10-3 record, a 3.28 goals-against average (GAA), and a .893 save percentage, marking a decline from his previous year’s performance according to Hockey Patrol.
Dakota Joshua
Brought in for his physicality and secondary scoring, Joshua appeared in 55 games, recording 10 goals and 8 assists for 18 points. He also registered 195 hits. His season was previously interrupted by a lacerated kidney, and he currently has two years remaining on his contract with a salary cap hit of $3.25 million as reported by Daily Faceoff.
Brandon Carlo
Acquired from the Boston Bruins in exchange for Fraser Minten, a 2025 fourth-round pick, and a 2026 first-round pick (with top-5 protection), Carlo’s first full season in Toronto has been hampered by health issues. He underwent foot surgery in December after an injury in November. In 55 games, he recorded seven assists and no goals with a plus-4 rating and an average ice time of 19:21 per game.
Opportunity for Youth: William Villeneuve’s Debut
Due to the host of injuries and the team’s current standings, the Maple Leafs are calling up defenceman William Villeneuve. Villeneuve, who has spent four years in the organization, will make his NHL debut on Saturday. He comes off a strong AHL season with the Toronto Marlies, where he recorded 29 points, including three goals via LeafsNation.
Key Takeaways
- Players Out: Brandon Carlo, Dakota Joshua, and Anthony Stolarz.
- Medical Status: All three are out for the season; no surgery is required.
- Injury Date: All injuries occurred during the Wednesday game against Washington.
- Roster Move: William Villeneuve will make his NHL debut.
- Games Remaining: Three games left in the regular season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Brandon Carlo, Dakota Joshua, or Anthony Stolarz need surgery?
No. Head coach Craig Berube confirmed that none of the injuries sustained by the three players will require surgery.
When did these injuries occur?
All three players were injured during the Toronto Maple Leafs’ game against the Washington Capitals on Wednesday, April 9, 2026.
Who is replacing the injured players on the roster?
Defenceman William Villeneuve from the Toronto Marlies has been called up to make his NHL debut.
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