Confirmed Signing with Link: [TOR] Maple Leafs re-sign Justin Holl (3 years, $2M AAV)

[shortfuze]

I think they're all ready and I'd expect the guy brought in to compete with them on the third pairing could be pretty good and may play over them often. A bargain bin deal on a good 3rd pairing guy. A solid #8 that can clear waivers would be smart in case Sandin struggles. Lots of good, high profile PTO's in pre-season to push them. A trade at the deadline depending on how good or bad they're doing could be worked in. I'd pencil them all in right now for next season.

I don’t think it’s that easy but I hope you’re right cause with the money they have on offence they will need some solid cheap defensemen.

 

[shortfuze]

I see garbage scrolling...garbage point?

You just need to open your eyes a little wider.

 

[Eternal Leaf]

He's been awesome all season. A fantastic deal if he keeps this up.

 

[Magic Man]

I don’t think it’s that easy but I hope you’re right cause with the money they have on offence they will need some solid cheap defensemen.

I think it's definitely necessary because of the cap. Liljegren needs waivers. Dermott needs a larger role. Sandin may be the best of the bunch. At worst, one of the PTO's in camp take a role from Sandin in pre-season, but this pre-season past he played his way onto the team. I can't bet against him.

There has also been a few times up front where there has been an insurgence all at once of young forwards and it has worked out well every time so far.

 

[Menzinger]

I guess he wasn’t one before that though? Toronto’s right side is weak. He has been given extra minutes because of it.

He was in Babcocks bad books. Never got a cair chance

Hes been resdy for this type of usage for the past couple years, just needed a coach who believed in him

 

[Menzinger]

2m for a #7d? That's Holden money.

Why not offer 1mx2? Or just balk if he wants to walk at getting a 2 year offer.

Because hes not a #7 D. Hes been getting consistent top 4 usage under the Leafs current coach and had performed very well.

 

[lauraP]

he'll be in the minors next year

 

[The Shrike]

he'll be in the minors next year

Is Babcock coming back to coach the Leafs next year?

 

[CatchyTune]

he'll be in the minors next year

How do you figure that?

 

[Mikenusca]

It’s just funny that since he’s a leaf he’s awesome, if he was on Detroit and he was in trade proposals playing the same as he is now, how many leafs fans would say he’s too old and not experienced, etc etc. Look at it from another point of view. Hope it works out for him. Sounds like he’s had a journey to get where he is. Got to love stories like that. Just like another post above how many times has this backfired on such a small sample. But 2 mil won’t make or break the team cap

 

[Zonk]

I think it's definitely necessary because of the cap. Liljegren needs waivers. Dermott needs a larger role. Sandin may be the best of the bunch. At worst, one of the PTO's in camp take a role from Sandin in pre-season, but this pre-season past he played his way onto the team. I can't bet against him.

There has also been a few times up front where there has been an insurgence all at once of young forwards and it has worked out well every time so far.

According to CapFriendly Liljegren is waiver exempt.

 

[Magic Man]

According to CapFriendly Liljegren is waiver exempt.

I could of swore that was different at one point. That's actually really good news. They can let him sit and develop for years, not that I think they will. I'm happy.

 

[Sidney the Kidney]

It’s just funny that since he’s a leaf he’s awesome, if he was on Detroit and he was in trade proposals playing the same as he is now, how many leafs fans would say he’s too old and not experienced, etc etc. Look at it from another point of view. Hope it works out for him. Sounds like he’s had a journey to get where he is. Got to love stories like that. Just like another post above how many times has this backfired on such a small sample. But 2 mil won’t make or break the team cap

Don't think there's much risk involved. Worst case scenario you're paying $2 million to a bottom pairing defender. Though I suppose the only consideration is if the youngsters need to play and you need that extra cap space elsewhere.

 

[LEAFANFORLIFE23]

Don't think there's much risk involved. Worst case scenario you're paying $2 million to a bottom pairing defender. Though I suppose the only consideration is if the youngsters need to play and you need that extra cap space elsewhere.

If that happens you trade him, at 2 million that wouldn't be hard

 

[Face Of Bear]

Pretty low risk contract imo. If Holl keeps playing like he has it'll be great value for the Leafs.

 

[Rants Mulliniks]

A very solid signing. I like it.

And now the Leafs have TWO defencemen signed for next year!

Four.

 

[Martin Skoula]

It’s just funny that since he’s a leaf he’s awesome, if he was on Detroit and he was in trade proposals playing the same as he is now, how many leafs fans would say he’s too old and not experienced, etc etc. Look at it from another point of view. Hope it works out for him. Sounds like he’s had a journey to get where he is. Got to love stories like that. Just like another post above how many times has this backfired on such a small sample. But 2 mil won’t make or break the team cap

You mean like when Detroit traded Jensen for a 2nd + prospect after he started full time at 27?

 

[FrozenJagrt]

This isn't Lou Lamoriello giving Nikita Zaitsev 4.5 mil for 7 years after one solid season in North America. This is Kyle Dubas giving 2x3 to a guy who has been in the system for a long time and has looked good in the opportunity he's been given.

 

[neelynugs]

should've held out for more money, justin. but seriously congrats on your deal.

 

[Menzinger]

It’s just funny that since he’s a leaf he’s awesome, if he was on Detroit and he was in trade proposals playing the same as he is now, how many leafs fans would say he’s too old and not experienced, etc etc. Look at it from another point of view. Hope it works out for him. Sounds like he’s had a journey to get where he is. Got to love stories like that. Just like another post above how many times has this backfired on such a small sample. But 2 mil won’t make or break the team cap

Well, fans of his team who have been following his development for years likely have more insight on how to feel about thr guy. Hes been with the organization for years now.

I can see why fans of other teams who likely didnt even know Holls name until now may be a bit perplexed. But context is key here

 

[Canada4Gold]

I could of swore that was different at one point. That's actually really good news. They can let him sit and develop for years, not that I think they will. I'm happy.

He's got like 2 more years waiver exemption after this one. A good rule of thumb is if the players not a goalie(1 extra year) or a late birthday(1 less year, see Timashov) then their waiver exemption runs out when their ELC does.

 

[Bounces R Way]

Been the Leafs' best defenseman in his own zone most games I watch them. Tough to say he's a good D finally breaking out or if he's a bad D just having a good year. I think I'd bet on the former but definitely not a sure thing.

 

[Canada4Gold]

Well I'm just thinking if they manage to land Pietrangelo every 100k will count.

While that's correct, if they got Pietrangelo they'd really need a cheap guy who's capable to playing in their top 4(see Holl, Justin). Expecting anyone better than Holl for less than 2 million would be a pretty dumb reason to argue over 100k. They'd probably end up either having to pay someone more than that this offseason, or have Liljegren or a worse player in their top 4 and this is coming from someone who was hoping they could do something like 3 x 1.5. I can stomach the extra 500k for what it means. It's not a great statement, but we need someone like Holl.

 

[Mikenusca]

You mean like when Detroit traded Jensen for a 2nd + prospect after he started full time at 27?

That was in his 3rd year with the wings. Played 49 his first 81 the second and 60 the third. A lot more of a sample then just 57 games

 

[Cancuks]

$14 million left to fill out your roster with about 12 players. That's if the cap stays where it is and doesn't go down again. I have no doubt that wunderkid himself Dubas can work his magic. Maybe trade Matthews and then re-acquire him at 50% retained?