EP Rinkside’s Sean Shapiro offers a theory to solve the Red Wings’ potential roster difficulties if they are to carry 12 forwards, 8 defensemen and 3 goaltenders this upcoming season–moving defenseman Justin Holl:
Holl only played 38 games last season and only played three after Jan. 31, essentially living in the press box as a healthy scratch. Holl makes $3.4 million against the cap, and still has another year remaining. In a perfect world the Red Wings would find a way to move him out to open up cap space for the 2025-26 season.
Right now Holl has limited value and isn’t a great trade candidate. According to some people I’ve spoken to around the NHL any trade for Holl would require a pretty large sweetener from the Red Wings to make it work.
In the short-term, Detroit could waive Holl and punt the issue down the road, especially since cap space is expected to open up next summer when Husso’ deal expires and Jeff Petry will also likely be off the books.
Continued (paywall); great stuff from Sean as always.
That is what I would do… waive him.