This afternoon, the Detroit Red Wings placed veteran defenseman Justin Holl on waivers. More than likely, the move will wind up with Holl joining the Grand Rapids Griffins, unless one of the other 31 NHL clubs decides to claim him. The move frees up a roster spot with which Detroit could either keep Marco Kasper in the NHL to open the year or sign PTO invitee Austin Watson.
Read More: “It’s Tough to Not Be that Guy”: Justin Holl Hoping to Contribute More this Season
A claim is unlikely because of the term and AAV on his contract. Holl signed a three-year, $3.4 million average annual value contract to join the Red Wings last summer after six seasons and 323 games as a Toronto Maple Leafs. He played just 38 games last season, posting five assists and averaging 19:07.
In theory, Holl could be useful as a veteran right-shot defenseman specializing on the penalty kill. However, with two more seasons still attached to him, that becomes a more difficult sell. This is also a time in the NHL calendar at which most teams have already pushed themselves toward the upper limit of the salary cap, leaving little room for added commitments.
Put it all together, and it’s most likely Holl winds up in Grand Rapids, which provides the Red Wings a modest salary cap savings (only a shade over a million dollars of Holl’s deal comes off the books even in sending him down to the AHL) and more importantly a roster spot. Now the question becomes, whether that spot will belong to Kasper, Watson, or someone else entirely.
Also from THN Detroit
Three Takeaways from the Red Wings’ 3-2, Preseason Finale Loss to the Maple Leafs
Multitude of Roster Moves Cuts Red Wings’ Roster to 41
Role Versatility Puts NHL Within Grasp for Red Wings’ Top Prospects
Red Wings-Maple Leafs Lineups & Where to Watch
Three Takeaways from the Red Wings’ Loss to Ottawa
Red Wings’ Jack Campbell Enters Player Assistance Program
Three Takeaways from Red Wings’ 2-0 loss to Toronto Maple Leafs
Source Agencies
