Toronto Maple Leafs: Justin Holl Returns, But At What Cost?

Justin Holl finally makes his return to the Toronto Maple Leafs lineup, but it doesn’t come without an expensive cost.

The Toronto Maple Leafs had a strong showing at home on Wednesday night, beating the Edmonton Oilers 6-2 and extending their winning streak to three games. As the third period ticked away, defenseman Travis Dermott was checked into the boards by Oilers forward Brad Malone and was forced to leave the game due to a shoulder injury per Toronto Maple Leafs PR.

Having already announced earlier in the day that defenseman Jake Gardiner will be out week-to-week with back spasms, the Toronto Maple Leafs will now be without Travis Dermott for what seems to be an extended period of time with a shoulder injury.

Following the game, coach Mike Babcock stated that both Justin Holl, and Martin Marincin would play Thursday night in New York.

More Fuel To The Fire

This could not have come at a worse time for the Toronto Maple Leafs, as they are set to play in what might be the most anticipated game of the NHL season against the New York Islanders at Nassau Coliseum. A back to back game, without two of their best puck-moving defensemen, and their backup goaltender.

If there wasn’t already enough pressure on the team to have a good showing for teammate John Tavares‘ first return to New York since signing in Toronto in the summer, the players will definitely feel it now more than ever.

If you don’t know who Justin Holl is, well…I don’t think anyone would blame you, as he’s spent the entire season most likely roaming the halls of Scotiabank Arena and filling up team water bottles to keep busy on game days.

For those who do remember Justin Holl, he became the first Toronto Maple Leaf defenseman to score a goal in each of his first two NHL games last season.

During GM Kyle Dubas‘ trade deadline press conference, Dubas gave high praise to Holl; who has only played in two NHL games this season.

"“His attitude & enthusiasm for getting better without the games there to exercise that, has been rather remarkable & something we certainly appreciate given the opportunity hasn’t been there for him yet, but it’s going to be.” – Kyle Dubas on Justin Holl via Mark Masters TSN"

The Ironic Hockey Gods

Hockey is a weird sport, and sometimes the hockey gods deal you a hand you may or may not want.

For Justin Holl, this will be just his fourth opportunity to play in an NHL game and his second against the New York Islanders. On January 31st, 2018 Holl made his NHL debut against the Islanders in what would turn out to be one of the most special moments of his career.

The Toronto Maple Leafs would beat the Islanders 5-0, and Holl would go on to play 16:30 and also score his first NHL goal, in his first NHL game.

Travis Dermott also scored his first NHL goal that game.

It is never easy for a hockey player to sit in a press box for 61 games, especially if you are fortunate to play on a very good team in the NHL. Though it may not be how Justin imagined he would get the call, it is another opportunity for him to make yet another impression and hope to build on it as much as he can with the hand he is dealt.

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