It’s finally trade deadline day in the NHL. General managers have until 3 p.m. Eastern Time to make moves to get set for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. There are plenty of teams that have made a big splash. One of those teams is the Toronto Maple Leafs, who made some major moves. However, the Leafs now have make all that money work. This means some money has to be moved on to be cap compliant. One of those moves discussed is a possible Justin Holl trade. Today’s NHL rumours takes a look at that.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Justin Holl Trade Possible at Deadline
Rumour: The Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli has the Leafs blueliner 10th on his deadline day trade board. The veteran defenceman is a pending unrestricted free agent at a $2 million cost. However, the Leafs probably want to activate goalie Matt Murray at some point. Toronto would have to free up some money in order to get Murray off long-term injured reserve.
WHO'S LEFT? A staggering 34 players who have appeared on our @DailyFaceoff Trade Targets 🎯 board this season have already been traded.
We still have 3⃣5⃣ players in play on Deadline Day.
Here are the names to watch:https://t.co/MiEFxth7sT
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) March 3, 2023
Trading Holl would also clear up some of the log jam on the back end that the Leafs have. Toronto has been stockpiling players like Luke Schenn, Jake McCabe and others. This teams someone is going to have to go soon. It’s only $2 million, but every little bit helps in making the math work for Toronto.
Impact of a Justin Holl Trade
Seravalli mentioned someone like the Seattle Kraken could take a run at the 31-year-old. Seattle is trying to navigate the waters of being a buyer and a seller at this year’s deadline. His cap hit is light and would be easy for the Kraken to take on.
The Leafs know getting out of the first round is a bare minimum for a successful season. All the pressure is on them to finally succeed. Trading Holl will be hard, but it’s a necessary step for the Leafs to make.
Main photo by: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
