Penguins Might See Solution in Trading for Maple Leafs’ Justin Holl

It’s no secret the Toronto Maple Leafs are shopping a defenseman. Travis Dermott’s name has come up, as has Justin Holl’s and the Leafs might be looking to add another goaltender or depth forward when they have a surplus of defensemen thanks to the emergence of Rasmus Sandin and Timothy Liljegren.

Among the rumors that are out there is that the Pittsburgh Penguins might see a potential fit on their roster for a player like Justin Holl. One reporter notes there might be a fit between the two teams.

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A combination of injuries and COVID bad luck has hit the Penguins this season and Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now writes, “Because of the bad luck, the Penguins will likely need more depth defensemen over the next 72 games and, if they’re fortunate enough, in the club’s 16th straight playoff appearance.” The inexperience the Penguins have on their blueline with internal solutions is concerning, so a trade might be the best option.

Kingerski pegs Holl as a viable option. Noting the 29-year-old is “an affordable minutes eater with a right-handed shot”, he’d bring size and physicality to the Penguins, which they like and lack, even when healthy. Kingerski adds:

His $2 million AAV carries one season beyond this one and is affordable for a third-pairing defenseman. The Penguins might have to get a little bit creative down the road to add his salary, but Holl would be an immediate upgrade.

What Would Be the Cost to Acquire Holl?

Kingerski isn’t clear on what the ask would be as there are conflicting reports about how valued Holl is around the league. TSN’s Darren Dreger has said someone would have to overpay to get Holl from the Maple Leafs, while The Athletic’s James Mirtle has been told by a team that the price for Holl wasn’t unreasonable.

If the latter is true, there certainly could be something to a Penguins and Maple Leafs move that would see the Leafs free up some space to make another move and Penguins fill a hole.

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