Former Leaf defenceman gets massive overpay in free agency
Moments ago, NHL insider Chris Johnston reported that former Leafs defenceman Justin Holl has signed with the Detroit Red Wings. Now 31 years old, Holl registered only 2 goals and 18 points over 80 games last season.
The annual value of almost $3.5M over the next three years will come as a shock to some Leaf fans, who often cast Holl as the team's scapegoat for problems on defence. While probably overly criticized in Toronto, Holl doesn't bring much more than depth defence with penalty-killing ability, making this contract seem immediately too rich.
For the Red Wings, Holl can provide an everyday presence in the lineup on the coveted right side, and a veteran presence to a younger lineup. However, paying over $3M with term for these characteristics often gets teams into cap trouble.
Justin Holl didn't always have the appreciation of Maple Leafs fans, yet still provided a consistent effort on the blue line after ascending in the organization from the ECHL. For a veteran defenceman going to an emerging team in free agency however, this is a classic overpaid contract.
