Maple Leafs Rumors: Defenseman Finished in Toronto

The Toronto Maple Leafs get set for a crazy offseason where potential major changes are on the way. There's also going to be some minor moves which have lasting impacts on the team as the roster turnover is expected to be significant this summer. One player who 100% will not be back in Toronto is defenseman Justin Holl.

Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman mentioned earlier this week via 32 Thoughts the podcast, he feels Holl will sign elsewhere in a quieter market this summer. Can't say I blame him after all the scrutiny he faced this season with the Maple Leafs.

Holl was booed to open the Stanley Cup Playoffs as he was introduced and it frankly didn't help his game. He lost his confidence in round one vs. the Tampa Bay Lightning as he was on the ice for over 70% of Tampa's goals. He'd then be scratched and somehow made his way back into the lineup vs. Florida Panthers.

Holl is a great penalty killer and as a right-handed shot, will see some heavy interest this summer. Don't expect to see him sign with a Canadian team and will likely be a market like the Minnesota Wild, Columbus Blue Jackets or San Jose Sharks to give you an idea. 

Holl appeared in 80 games this season, recording 18 points and was a -7 rating in eight playoff games. The 6-foot-4 blueliner made $2 million last season against the cap and could fetch $3 million annually on the open market.

Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports