'I'm Thankful I'm Not Knocked Out': Maple Leafs Brandon Carlo Fights Kings' Jeff Malott, Brother Of UFC Fighter Mike Malott

Carlo's fight on Saturday against Malott was his first in almost two years.

Brandon Carlo wasn't expecting a fight when he walked into Crypto.com Arena on Saturday before the Toronto Maple Leafs' 3-1 win over the Los Angeles Kings.

However, after a scrum around Anthony Stolarz just over three minutes into the game, Carlo was all of a sudden dropping to gloves with Kings forward Jeff Malott, who was playing in just his second-career NHL game.

Carlo doesn't fight often. The last time he dropped the gloves was nearly two years to the day, on Mar. 30, 2023, against Columbus Blue Jackets captain Boone Jenner. The 28-year-old defenseman has eight fights in his career, including Saturday's in LA.

"It just happens fast. I was right there in front of the net. He asked if I wanted to go, so I said yes. Good on his part," Carlo said following Toronto's win over the Kings.

"I think it's good for me, too, to step up in those ways occasionally. I'm not much of a fighter, but I enjoy doing things for my team. So whatever is needed of me, I will."

Little did he know that Malott, who hails from Burlington, Ontario, is the brother of UFC fighter, Mike Malott.

"Not at all, but knowing that information, I'm thankful I'm not knocked out right now," he smiled. "So that's good to know, and I'll definitely do a little bit more research next time."

After the fight, Carlo and Malott were seen smiling and chatting with each other in the penalty box. The Maple Leafs defenseman said it was a situation where the two players gained a mutual respect for one another.

"I think he's been just in a couple games. I think he appreciated that I went in. I appreciate the same thing from him. I have a lot of respect for guys that step up in that way, playing with them, going against them. So afterwards, just kind of saying good job and moving on from there."

Carlo has been a strong defender since joining the Maple Leafs at the trade deadline. Through 11 games, he's registered one assist while averaging 18:12 of ice time playing alongside Morgan Rielly.

It's difficult to come into a brand new team at the trade deadline. But that fight against Malott on Saturday will definitely earn him some brownie points with his Toronto teammates.

I mean, that's huge. You've got to tip your cap to him," Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews, who had a goal and an assist on Saturday, said.

"I think he's been an incredible addition to our team so far. He's so big and he's fit in so well with us. A great person, great teammate. He's a great player, too. I think he really came out of his shell lately and the chemistry's grown, and when you acquire guys, you just want that chemistry.

"You want them to feel welcome here, and I think him and Lotty (Scott Laughton) definitely feel welcome, and they just continue to get better each game."

According to NaturalStatTrick, Carlo has a 52.80 expected-goals-for percentage at five-on-five since being acquired by the Maple Leafs. He's also tied for the second-most blocks (19) on the team since Mar. 7, only behind Jake McCabe (22).

Carlo has clearly been one of Toronto's most consistent defensemen as of late, and it appears he's fitting in nicely with their group of players.

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