New Jersey Devils: 3 Free Agents Who Can Replace Damon Severson

UFA defenseman option: 3. Justin Holl

Shutdown defenseman Justin Holl gets the puck out of the defensive zone. He had a similar route to the NHL as Connor Clifton, taking longer to develop and make an impact than others. Holl was drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2010 but never signed an entry-level contract with them. After four years of NCAA hockey, Holl signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs. It took time before Holl became a fixture in an NHL lineup, spending significant time in the AHL and nearly a full season of healthy scratches in the NHL. Holl just finished a three-year $6 million deal with the Leafs.

Holl is effective on the penalty kill, which is a plus for the Devils. Holl saw more time on the Leafs’ PK than any other defender this past season. He hits opponents but isn’t known for his physicality despite being a big guy. In 2022-23, Holl contributed 16 assists, had a +/- of 15, blocked 139 shots, and made 151 hits. Blocked shots and hits were career-high numbers, although he played more games in 2022-23 than ever before. Holl’s offensive production dipped from the previous two seasons, where he had more points in fewer games, but he’s more known for shutdown defense.

Much like Clifton, Holl isn’t the most talented superstar on a roster, but he’s a grinder. Holl has received a lot of criticism in Toronto, though. Yahoo! Sports referred to Holl as “a punching bag for the fanbase,” which is familiar territory for Damon Severson. While some of the hate is unwarranted, Holl was rightfully criticized for poor play in the 2023 playoffs. He was on the ice for a lot of goals against in situations where he didn’t get his job done.

At 31, Holl has plenty of hockey still ahead of him. He has expressed interest in remaining in Toronto, but he could be a casualty of the salary cap, and it also sounds like he needs a change of scenery. The Maple Leafs have a crowded blueline, and the organization is reportedly hoping to re-sign Luke Schenn. While Schenn is also righty, he belongs on the top defensive line, and that’s not really what the Devils need. Perhaps a two-year deal with a slight raise over his previous salary could work for Holl and the Devils.

If the Devils decide to pick up one more defenseman via free agency, one of these three players would be a solid choice for the organization.