Sending Some Praise to Maple Leafs’ Defenseman Justin Holl

I get it, Justin Holl’s performance can be puzzling at times. He seems to struggle when he’s under pressure or when he feels that he needs to do too much. Under these conditions, he can make mistakes that are easily noticeable to fans.

When Partnered Well, Holl Typically Plays Well

However, when Holl is paired with a more experienced or skilled partner (for example Mark Giordano or Jake Muzzin when he wasn’t injured), he seems to be able to play more confidently. He also plays within his abilities. I would argue that, to play his best, Holl needs a certain level of support and guidance to perform. That’s a coaching thing. Holl is what he is.

One thing that can be said for Holl is that he’s not afraid to use his size and physicality to his advantage. This can be an important asset for any team, especially when it comes to defending against larger and more physical opponents. He’s a hitter.

While Holl Can Be Inconsistent, He’s Also Valuable

Overall, while Holl’s performance may be inconsistent at times, it’s clear that he has qualities that make him a valuable member of the Maple Leafs. The team seems to recognize this, and he was one of the four defensemen the Maple Leafs protected in the expansion draft.

Sadly, for one group of Maple Leafs fans, that was an organizational mistake. They make that point vociferously. Often.

[As a bit of an aside, I often wonder how – if cameras were following every move and decision that some of these critics made at work, and then threw those critiques out into the world – whether the critic would think that would be fair. I’m guessing likely not, because in sports that’s OK, but not in real life. Right? But that’s a rabbit hole not everyone would want to explore. Just a thought.]

What the Maple Leafs kept in the Seattle Kraken Expansion Draft in Holl was a middle-pairing, shut-down defenseman who eats up more than 20 minutes a game – all on a $2 million contract.

Holl’s shown how important he is this season. Fans shouldn’t forget that the Maple Leafs’ defense was a Gong Show early in the season. With Holl’s help, it survived (and even prospered).

Still, it was a patchwork, depleted defensive corps. Holl showed up during his period. At times he played upward of 24 minutes per game. As someone who has watched the Maple Leafs for five seasons now, this season Holl has played some of his best hockey. It came at a good time.

Still he makes mistakes. I admit it.

My Final Comment

Just this week, I read the words of two fans who asked out loud. “Are we finally going to be able to get rid of Holl?”

The answer is that there is no chance – unless he’s moved out in a trade for another defenseman the team thought might make them better. He won’t be a salary dump. Another, here’s betting that another team would pick him up.

For the Maple Leafs’ organization, the bottom line with Holl is that, when Holl plays within his abilities, he is reliable, steady, and dependable. He does have an “A” game! We’ve seen it this season.

There are very few NHL defensemen who provide so much value for so little money.