Justin Holl hits a new career low with the Red Wings
Photo credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Justin Holl is heading back to Grand Rapids and it’s getting hard to watch. The Detroit Red Wings officially waived the white flag on their veteran defenseman again this morning.
It’s not just a routine roster move. It’s a loud signal that the $10.2 million experiment is dead in the water. Steve Yzerman doesn’t usually miss this badly. But this signing has become a massive anchor for a team trying to turn the corner.
He was drafted in the 2nd round, 54th overall by the Blackhawks way back in 2010. He took the long road to the show. And for a while in Toronto, he looked like a serviceable middle-pair guy. Then he got paid. The Red Wings handed him a three-year deal with a $3.4 million cap hit and the wheels fell off immediately. Now he’s making NHL millions to ride a bus in the minors.
The 6’4’’ defender was supposed to be a heavy presence on the back end. He was meant to help the penalty kill and clear the porch. Instead, he’s been a constant liability. He’s slow and prone to turnovers in the dirty areas. And he’s been passed on the depth chart by guys making a fraction of his salary.
It’s a tough pill for the front office to swallow. They thought they were buying stability but bought a headache instead. He’s spent more time in the press box than on the ice this year. That’s not what you want from a guy eating up $3.4 million of your cap space. Fans in Detroit have seen enough of the blown coverages.
The final chapter for a fading veteran
This latest trip to the AHL feels different. It’s a new low for a player who’s been waived more than he’s played lately. His contract is finally coming to an end. And let’s be real. No GM in the league is looking at his tape and thinking he’s a piece for a playoff run.
The game has simply passed him by. He can’t handle the speed of the modern NHL anymore. So he heads back to the Griffins. The Red Wings need that roster spot for younger, hungrier kids. Keeping this mountain of a contract around just blocks the path for the future.
He’s cleared waivers before because nobody wants that price tag. It’s a classic case of a player losing his step right when the money gets big. He’ll finish out the year in Grand Rapids. After that, the NHL dream is likely over. Is there any way back from this? Probably not.
Also read on House Of Hockey :
Detroit Red Wings in trade talks with Canadian team per Elliotte Friedman
Detroit Red Wings in trade talks with Canadian team per Elliotte Friedman