The Toronto Maple Leafs have announced that they have signed surprising contributor Justin Holl to a three-year extension worth $2 million annually.
The Toronto Maple Leafs defense has been much maligned, but it’s been noticeably better under new head coach Sheldon Keefe. One of the biggest surprises on their blueline has been the emergence of Justin Holl. After consistently sitting under Mike Babcock, Keefe has let Holl run with a top-four defenseman role. It’s one he has thrived in.
So it shouldn’t come to anyone’s surprise the Leafs wanted to keep him around, especially given their defensive depth. Credit general manager Kyle Dubas for getting something done, as the team has signed Holl to a team-friendly three-year extension worth $6 million total ($2 million annually).
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Holl has only played in 51 NHL games to date. However, 38 of those games have come this season. 17 of those games have been with Keefe behind the bench, averaging 18:46 of ice time per game during that span. Holl averaged 14:35 per game with Babcock.
Under Keefe, he’s been a top-four defenseman, usually on the second pairing with Jake Muzzin when Muzzin’s been healthy. Holl’s been a bit of a surprise for the Leafs, as he’s really handled his second pairing role remarkably well.
Holl has already set several career highs, including games played, assists (10), and points (11). He’ll turn 28 years old at the end of January, so he’s a tad bit on the older side, but it’s only a three-year deal and a very cheap one at that.
This signing gives the Leafs a bit of continuity as well. They’ll have several defensemen, including Muzzin and Tyson Barrie, to re-sign after this season. Getting Holl back is a pretty significant win for the Leafs. And these days, $2 million a year is the going rate for a veteran defenseman. It will be hard for Holl to not be worth that much considering how much Keefe values him and how well he’s been playing.
Even though Holl’s playing time will likely see a decrease once guys like Rasmus Sandin and Timothy Liljegren come up in the next few years, $2 million is pretty darn reasonable for a reliable defenseman. It’s especially valuable for a team like the Leafs, who need as many cheap players as possible.
At face value, the Toronto Maple Leafs re-signing Holl might seem like a relatively minor move. But it’s a lot more important than most people think. It’s great to see Holl finally find a permanent place in the NHL. He’s earned it.