NHL Rumors: 3 Teams to Target Justin Holl This Offseason

Heading into the 2022-23 NHL season, Justin Holl hoped to fly under the radar and play on the 3rd pair for the Maple Leafs. He may be one of the most scrutinized players on the team, however, it seems that both the management group and the coaching staff believe he can be valuable. Holl entered this season on an expiring contract so let's take a look at three teams that could target Holl this offseason.

Minnesota Wild:

Justin Holl was born in Tonka Bay Minnesota, grew up playing junior hockey there and even played in the NCAA with the University of Minnesota. To be able to add playing with the Wild in the NHL could be a dream come true for him. He may even be willing to take a hometown discount to sign with them. They are a team that plays a physical style game and also prides themselves on being defensively sound. Holl can be a good defensive defenceman, but the pressure of the Toronto market appears to make it worse for him. His fit with the Wild in terms of location and on-ice ability seems to be near perfect.

New York Islanders

The New York Islanders are a team that likes to have older players on their roster, Holl is 31 years old and a six-year veteran in the NHL. If that doesn't say a potential Islanders signing, then what does? New York is also set to have some defence move on such as Scott Mayfield and that is where Holl can slide into the lineup on the third line and play big minutes if needed. 

Anaheim Ducks

The Anaheim Ducks are a very young team that some experts say needs to acquire a veteran defenceman who can get the puck out of their zone to allow for the core up front to handle the puck more. Holl has been doing that for the Maple Leafs for the last six years to allow the big guns to have more time with the puck. Holl could be a signing that they have on their radar, as he is a second or third-tier level defender on the open market, which will allow the Ducks to sign him for less. 

Photo Credits: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports