Montreal Canadiens forward Bud Holloway is set to make his NHL debut tonight against the New Jersey Devils. The 6-foot, 200-pound right winger is likely to play to the right of Brian Flynn and Paul Byron on the Canadiens fourth line, in place of Alex Semin, who was put on IR following Montreal’s win versus the New York Rangers on Wednesday night.
Canadiens Forward Bud Holloway Set to Make NHL Debut
The 27-year-old career journeyman was drafted in the third round, 86th overall by the Los Angeles Kings way back in 2006, and signed a one-year, two-way deal with the Montreal Canadiens this past summer. He’s played his last four years overseas, three in Sweden and most recently in Switzerland for SC Bern. In 2012-13, he became one of only two players to put up over 70 points in a season in the SHL, producing 20 goals and 71 points in 55 games for Skelleftea AIK. He’s also found success in the AHL, having played 209 games and putting up 140 points. Before being called up Sunday morning, he had 20 points in 18 games for the St. John’s Ice Caps, the Canadiens AHL affiliate.
Holloway is a well-rounded, responsible winger, whose been used in all situations by coaches over his career. He possesses a vicious shot, which he likes to use in slap form from the faceoff circle and out, has a slick pair of hands and can find open lanes to feed the puck. I have a feeling Michel Therrien will be a fan.
Marc Bergevin will have 10 games or 30 days to assess Holloway and what he brings to the team, after that point he will be required to pass through waivers if he is to be sent back down to St. John’s. Holloway has finally found his way to an NHL roster, we shall see if he can turn this opportunity into a career at the elite level.
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