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3 Toronto Maple Leafs Fighting to Keep Their Job Next Year

By Stephen Nixon

Mar 13, 2021; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Jake Muzzin (8) is greeted by forwards Mitch Marner (16) and Alexander Kerfoot (15) and defenseman Justin Holl (3) after scoring a shorthanded goal in the second period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 13, 2021; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Jake Muzzin (8) is greeted by forwards Mitch Marner (16) and Alexander Kerfoot (15) and defenseman Justin Holl (3) after scoring a shorthanded goal in the second period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Toronto Maple Leafs
TORONTO, ON – MARCH 31: Justin Holl #3 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /

Toronto Maple Leafs Fighting to Keep Their Jobs: No. 1: Justin Holl

It’s crazy to think that Holl has been in the Toronto Maple Leafs organization for the past eight years and to see where he’s come. After joining the Toronto Marlies in the 2015-16 season, Holl quickly turned into a rising star in the AHL and one of Kyle Dubas’ favorite pupils.

When Holl was eventually called up, head coach Mike Babcock didn’t feel the same way and benched him for the majority of the season. That type of treatment would drive any player nuts, but he stayed the course and once Sheldon Keefe was introduced as the new coach of the Leafs, Holl was in the line-up every night.

However, as we look at the Leafs roster next season, Holl is without a contract and is the team’s No. 6 or No. 7 defenseman. He’s clearly fighting for his job and his career within Toronto’s organization may be over before we know it.

Holl will be rotating in-and-out of the line-up for the last regular season games and more than likely again in the playoffs. As previously mentioned, Dubas has always had a soft-spot for Holl, so if he can play his way into the top-six and show he can be a steady defenseman for a long playoff-run, then Toronto will want him back.

However, if he falters and falls outside of the top-six, then it’s very plausible that Holl will be with another organization next year.

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