Leafs Injury Report: Ekman-Larsson Out; Carlo Concern Grows
The latest Leafs injury report delivers a double blow. Following Wednesday’s loss to Detroit, the blue line faces a potential crisis with two top-four defenders ailing.
TSP Injury Snapshot: Jan 22 Update
We are tracking breaking news from insider Chris Johnston regarding the defensive fallout from the Red Wings game.
- Oliver Ekman-Larsson: OUT. Left in 1st period (Lower Body). Expected to miss time.
- Brandon Carlo: CONCERN. Reportedly “tweaked something” in the loss.
- Current IR: Chris Tanev (Groin), Dakota Mermis (Lower Body).
The Leafs injury report for Thursday, January 22, 2026, paints a concerning picture for a team already navigating a thin blue line. Insider Chris Johnston broke the news this morning that not only is Oliver Ekman-Larsson sidelined, but shutdown specialist Brandon Carlo may have joined him on the shelf.
Ekman-Larsson: Expected to Miss Time
The loss of Oliver Ekman-Larsson is significant. The 34-year-old defenseman left Wednesday’s game against Detroit in the first period after tangling with Lucas Raymond and falling awkwardly. He did not return.
Before the injury, Ekman-Larsson was having a renaissance season, leading all Leafs defensemen with 31 points (8G, 23A) and anchoring the power play. Johnston reports that he is “expected to miss some time,” which leaves a massive hole in Toronto’s offensive production from the back end.
Brandon Carlo: A New Concern
Perhaps even more alarming is the update on Brandon Carlo. Johnston reports there is “concern Brandon Carlo tweaked something” during the same game.
This is a potential nightmare scenario. Carlo had just returned to the lineup on January 6th after missing 23 games with a lower-body injury that required surgery. Losing their primary shutdown defender less than three weeks after his return would leave the Leafs dangerously exposed against top competition.
| Defender | Status | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Oliver Ekman-Larsson | Out (Lower Body) | Loss of #1 PP QB & Top Scorer |
| Brandon Carlo | Concern (Tweak) | Loss of Top Shutdown RD |
| Chris Tanev | IR (Groin) | Loss of Top PK Defender |
Depth Chart Crisis
With Tanev, Mermis, and now potentially Ekman-Larsson and Carlo out, the Leafs are down to a skeleton crew. The projected Maple Leafs lines for Friday likely force Simon Benoit and Philippe Myers into top-four minutes.
Expect a roster move from the Toronto Marlies immediately. Marshall Rifai has been the go-to recall option this season, but the team may need to look at Topi Niemela if they need puck-moving ability to replace OEL.
Next Up: The Gauntlet
The timing could not be worse. The Leafs are set to host the powerhouse Vegas Golden Knights on Friday night, followed by a Sunday matinee against the Colorado Avalanche. Facing Jack Eichel and Nathan MacKinnon with a depleted defense will require a heroic effort from goaltender Joseph Woll.
Stay tuned for the official recall announcement.