On March 8, 2025, the Toronto Maple Leafs will begin their post-deadline stretch with significant excitement as they face the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena. This match marks the debuts of Scott Laughton and Brandon Carlo for the Maple Leafs, two players who aim to contribute to Toronto's playoff push.
The game will kick off at 7 p.m. EST, and it is poised to be a thrilling encounter as both teams are nearing the tail end of their season, each competing for playoff positioning. Toronto goes in with solid momentum, boasting a record of 38-21-3, currently sitting second in the Atlantic Division, just two points behind the Florida Panthers. Meanwhile, the Avalanche, with their 37-24-2 record, occupies third place in the Central Division.
Scott Laughton, acquired from the Philadelphia Flyers, expressed his excitement about joining his hometown team. He remarked on the whirlwind of events from the past 24 hours, stating, "It has been pretty quick. I got in last night. Today’s game is earlier. I ate some food and got a little bit of sleep, and I am really excited.” Laughton’s parents reside nearby in Oakville, which adds to his enthusiasm to perform well.
Reflecting on the Maple Leafs' roster setup, Laughton noted, “The talent is really high. They brought in [Anthony] Stolarz, and with [Joseph] Woll, their goaltending has been really good for them this year.” He emphasizes his desire to bring energy and grit to the team, supporting their leading scorers so they can excel offensively.
Brandon Carlo, on the other hand, joins the Maple Leafs from the Boston Bruins and also holds high expectations moving forward. Carlo shared his respect for Toronto's offensive capabilities saying, “I have played against these guys a lot... I am really excited about the opportunity we have in front of us.” He looks forward to shaping great chemistry on the ice alongside fellow defender Morgan Rielly, noting, “I hope we can create a good partnership.” Carlo also reflected on last year's competitive playoff series against the Leafs, stating, “It was very close... With their goal-scoring capabilities, we had to defend really, really hard.”
Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube praised both newcomers, highlighting Laughton's experience as a centerman and Carlo’s skills as a right-handed defender. Berube stated, “One is a centerman, which we wanted to get, and a right-handed D. Carlo has been a very good defender and PK guy in Boston for a number of years. Laughton has been a very good player and has a lot of grit to him.” He then touched on the potential success of new line combinations, including the McMann-Laughton-Domi line and the promising pairing of Rielly and Carlo.
On the opposing side, the Avalanche will also debut new players Brock Nelson and Charlie Coyle, both acquired through trades earlier this week. Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar expressed optimism about integrating these players swiftly because they possess considerable experience. He remarked, “We need this time... to get dialed in, so I know how to deploy guys and where to trust them.” With the Avalanche enjoying a strong four-game homestand win streak, they are eager to maintain their momentum against what has become one of the league's high-scoring teams.
Both teams recognize the importance of remaining healthy and cohesive as they march forward toward the playoffs. Colorado’s Nathan MacKinnon is just two points away from achieving the impressive milestone of 100 points for the third consecutive season, making him one player to watch closely. MacKinnon leads the league, with Cale Makar—who’s recently been on fire—providing strong support.
For the Maple Leafs, who are coming off of their loss to the Vegas Golden Knights, they are hoping for Laughton and Carlo to fill gaps and add depth, especially as they prepare for the competitive challenges of playoff hockey. The anticipation builds as the puck drops, signaling the beginning of this pivotal matchup.
Fans can catch the action live at Ball Arena or tune in on various broadcasts including Sportsnet, CBC, NHLN, and others. With both teams fired up and determined, this game promises to deliver the excitement and intensity expected from elite level hockey.