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Ex-Leafs Defenseman Fires A Shot At His Former Team


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Graham Montgomery
October 31, 2023  (5:01 PM)
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Not many were surprised this offseason when the Leafs and Justin Holl parted ways. What has come as a surprise is how well Holl has performed so far with his new team.

Holl Off To Career-Best Start

When Holl signed a three-year 10.2 million dollar contract with the Red Wings this summer, many thought it was a huge overpay and it would immediately blow up in Steve Yzerman's face. So far though Yzerman has proven once again that you should never doubt the Yzerplan.
While Holl and the Red Wings have cooled off a bit recently, he still leads the team with a +7 rating. Meanwhile, the biggest name defenders on the team, Moritz Seider and Shane Gostisbehere and both a -1. The Red Wings are currently 2nd in the Atlantic with an impressive 6-3-1 record. Holl has been a significant part of the team's improved play this season.

Holl Bashes Former Team

Holl was always an enigma in Toronto. He was generally used as a bottom pair defenseman, often getting healthy scratched. Even with his minor role on the team though, he somehow became one of the most controversial players on the team. Many blamed him for several Leafs loses throughout the season and he certainly had some interesting moments.
After his hot start in Detroit, Holl had some words to share about the Leafs.
"I have no qualms about moving on, but I was really grateful for my time in Toronto. That being said, this is just what was next in my path to development I think and how the contract situation works out and everything like that, I'm grateful to be in a place that I'm valued and I'm just ready to keep moving."

Although he does not mention the Leafs by name here, it is heavily implied that he felt undervalued in Toronto. The Leafs are the only team he's played for in the NHL prior to this season. Perhaps he is referring more to the way the fans treated him than management but that remains unclear. Holl and the Red Wings are looking to make a playoff birth for the first time since the 2015-16 season.

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