Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Brandon Carlo likely requires surgery to repair a lower-body injury, head coach Craig Berube revealed Tuesday.

“He has to get something done. It didn’t go the way we thought,” Berube said via TSN’s Mark Masters.

Carlo returned to Toronto on Monday, after it was revealed that he suffered a setback in his recovery from the injury. The veteran defenceman is on injured reserve, and hasn’t played since November 13 against the Los Angeles Kings.

When asked if Carlo requires surgery, Berube responded ‘probably’ with no timeline for his return. It was previously believed that Carlo could potentially return this week, but the 29-year-old is out definitely.

Throughout the year, the Leafs have battled several injuries and received some more bad news Tuesday. Anthony Stolarz hasn’t improved during his recovery from an upper-body injury sustained against the Boston Bruins on November 11. It was initially believed that Stolarz was day-to-day, but Berube revealed on November 20 that the goaltender suffered a setback in his recovery.

Chris Tanev also remains on injured reserve, and the Maple Leafs are without two starting defencemen entering Tuesday’s clash against the Florida Panthers. Simon Benoit will re-enter the lineup, replacing Dakota Mermis. Benoit will be paired with Philippe Myers for Tuesday’s game.

Troy Stecher has been elevated to a true No. 4 role, while there could be some opportunity for Toronto Marlies standout William Villeneuve down the line. Stecher has recorded two assists in six games with the Maple Leafs, where his mobility and zone exits are readily apparent.

Carlo recorded two assists in 18 games, and was expected to be a key presence on the Maple Leafs’ blue line, after being acquired in a deadline trade from the Boston Bruins, in exchange for Fraser Minten and a 2026 first-round pick.