NHL insider Max Bultman from The Athletic speculates that the Detroit Red Wings might consider buying out Justin Holl during the summer of 2025.
Detroit had signed Holl to a three-year, $10.2 million contract on July 1, 2023, following his time with the Toronto Maple Leafs. The goal was for Holl to strengthen the Red Wings’ defense, but he had a tough first year in Detroit.
Although Holl was a potential buyout candidate after a difficult 2023-24 NHL season, Detroit decided against it. Bultman suggests that if Holl’s performance doesn’t improve, the team may opt to buy him out in 2025.
Bultman explained, “The Red Wings likely avoided a buyout this summer to avoid the burden of a four-year dead cap hit, which, though not huge at $1.13 million annually, would still be a long commitment. The management likely believes in Holl’s potential, although it’s unclear if coach Lalonde will use him regularly. From Yzerman’s perspective, Holl doesn’t seem to be considered a lost cause yet.”
He continued, “While your concern about having a cap hit while he’s not playing is valid, the Red Wings might face fewer injury issues this season compared to 2023-24, which could mean more playing time for Holl. However, if he remains largely inactive and continues to be a $3.4 million healthy scratch for most of the season, they might look into a buyout next year, which would then only involve two years of dead cap at the same $1.13 million annual cost.”
A buyout in the following season would be more manageable for Detroit, reducing their obligation to $1.13 million over just two years.
Last season, Holl played 38 games for the Red Wings, recording no goals and 5 assists, totaling 5 points.
Detroit’s Defensive Depth Chart
The Red Wings signed defenseman Erik Gustafsson to a two-year, $4 million contract to strengthen their defensive lineup.
At present, DailyFaceoff.com’s lineup projections indicate that Holl is expected to be a healthy scratch, with the projected lineup as follows:
- Ben Chiarot – Mortiz Seider
- Simon Edvinsson – Jeff Petry
- Olli Maatta – Erik Gustafsson
With Holl expected to be a healthy scratch, the buyout in the summer of 2025 does become more likely.
Red Wings GM Expects Team to Compete for Playoff Spot
The Red Wings missed the playoffs in the 2023-24 NHL season, prompting them to take significant steps this offseason to enhance their roster.
Detroit’s most notable moves included signing Vladimir Tarasenko and re-signing Patrick Kane. Following the initial free agency period, Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman is pleased with the current state of his team.
“I think we’re in with that group of teams that has a chance to compete for the playoffs,” Yzerman said. “If we stay healthy, if our goaltending is good and players outplay your expectations, we might get in. Or you might just miss by a point on the last game of the season.
“That’s the fine line of it all. I look at the roster today and compare it to last year’s group; it’s a little bit different. It might be a little bit better fit as far as roles for players where they sit on the roster today,” Yzerman added.
