The Detroit Red Wings signed right-handed defenseman Justin Holl to a three-year $10.2 million contract last summer and let's just say it hasn't gone as planned. Holl has been healthy scratched numerous times this season and so far in 35 games has only five assists, hardly any shots on goal and has lost the confidence of the coaching staff and now management.
Steve Yzerman is trying to fix his mistake and has put Holl on the trade market. While the market will be very thin and it could take a creative deal for Yzerman to rid himself, here's a few options the Wings have may as a trade partner:
Anaheim Ducks
The Ducks recently lost Ilya Lyubushkin and Jamie Drysdale via trades and need a right-handed d-man for this season and beyond. Perhaps a quiet media market like Anaheim could do wonders for Holl's career as he continues to be the scape goat in Toronto even though he's not even suiting up for the Leafs anymore. Pat Verbeek and Yzerman have quite the relationship so perhaps the two can work out something.
Chicago Blackhawks
The Red Wings are going to have to sweeten any deal involving Holl as he's been dismal this season, when dressed. He has only 12 shots on goal in 35! games and his 34 blocked shots aren't enough for a 'defensive defenseman'. The Blackhawks have been known to hand out some questionable contracts and could take on Holl's if the pot is sweet.
Arizona Coyotes
Sense a pattern here? The Coyotes will take on a bad contract if it means a top three-round draft pick is coming along in the package. The Yotes are not trying to win anything anytime soon and have more issues off the ice than they do on. Adding Holl could be something that appeals to them if there's a second-rounder coming along for the ride.
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
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