Travis Dermott and Justin Holl
Dermott and Holl, I have grouped together here because they seem to be in similar positions.
Both are outside the the Toronto Maple Leafs top three defensemen looking in. Both are signed to inexpensive contracts. And both are in danger of getting taken in the Seattle expansion draft next offseason. While Holl earned a top four role based on his play last season, Dermott will be one of several players looking to take Holl’s job
Dermott is a classic example of a tool vs. toolbox type of player. He has all the potential to become a fantastic top-four defensemen in this league. But many times during the 2019-20 season, Dermott was given the opportunity to show he was there in his development, however, squandered the chance every time. None more significant than when Jake Muzzin went down with an injury during the Columbus series and Dermott was just unable to answer the bell.
This offseason, the Newmarket, Ontario native took a one-year, “bet on yourself” contract to prove to Leafs management he has taken the next step in his growth. But being, at most, the 5th defensemen on the Toronto Maple Leafs depth chart right now, Dermott is fighting an uphill battle and his days as a member of this organization could be numbered.
In Holl, Toronto found a hidden gem after the Toronto Marlie graduate was scratched by former head coach Mike Babcock in 71 games in 2018-19. Last season, Holl and Muzzin formed the Leafs best and most consistent defensive pairing, tasked with taking on the oppositions’ best players every night. In some of the toughest minutes in the NHL last season, Holl also put up a very respectable 3.7 expected total defense, which tied Muzzin for the team lead among all D-men (stats; evolving-hockey.com).
Dubas and the Leafs rewarded him and his breakout season with a three-year, $2 million AAV almost a year ago to the day, announcing the extension in Holl’s hometown of Minnesota when the Leafs were on a road trip playing against the Wild.
With very ambiguous roles heading into 2020-21, Dermott and Holl’s future beyond this season remains up in the air. The big thing looming above their heads is the Seattle expansion draft. You have to think if the Leafs go with the 7-3-1 protection approach, Morgan Rielly, TJ Brodie, and Muzzin would be the three protected defensemen, leaving Dermott and Holl exposed.
Similarly, if the team goes with the 4-4-1 approach, protecting Rielly, Brodie, and Muzzin again, only one of the Dermott and Holl would fill the remaining spot, with both in constant competition over the course of the season.
The 2020-21 season could be make or break for both of these two players. With so much uncertainty heading into the season, no two players’ destinies are tied together more on this roster than Dermott and Holl’s.
After one hell of an offseason from Dubas and Co., all we can do is hope the moves finally pay off for the Toronto Maple Leafs organization and Leafsnation after all.