Holmberg's Role is More Prevalent
It wasn't that long ago that Holmberg was not in consideration for a full-time role with the Leafs. It took well into last season for him to make an appearance with the team.
He started this season with the Toronto Marlies.
He and McMann both earned their way to significant roles in the lineup.
Holmberg is now entrenched as the Leafs third-line center. Depth in the playoffs is always necessary for success, especially when the opposition's tight-checking is focused on Matthews, Marner, and Nylander.
Rare is the team that goes deep in the playoffs without a third line that wins their time on the ice. Holmberg handles his defensive responsibilities with aplomb and has shown flashes offensively.
If head coach Sheldon Keefe continues to scatter his star players among three forward lines, Holmberg becomes more relevant.
He will need to be a defensive stalwart but help Nylander and the third member of the line show up on the scoresheet.