NHL Trade Rumors: Peter Holland to the Arizona Coyotes?

Are the Arizona Coyotes close to making a trade for Maple Leafs center Peter Holland? 

Peter Holland of the Toronto Maple Leafs has been looking for a trade for a little while. Ever since his playing time has been cut to virtually nothing, he and his agent have wanted a trade. It might be coming soon, as Elliotte Friedman is reporting the Arizona Coyotes are close to acquiring him.

This makes a lot of sense. For one thing, it won’t take much to acquire him. The conditional pick is likely a lower round pick at best. Also, the Coyotes have a need for a center with Brad Richardson likely out long-term. Holland is an effective replacement and should be able to fill his role competently.

Secondly, this is the kind of move a rebuilding team might make. Give a promising player who hasn’t gotten much playing time more time on the ice. Maybe by the NHL trade deadline, Holland will have proven himself enough to warrant a decent return. Even in a worst case scenario, the Coyotes are losing a late round pick, one which probably wouldn’t make the NHL anyway.

Perhaps Arizona views Holland as a transitional piece, helping to keep spots warm for their young players until they’re ready. In 203 career games, he has 70 points despite seeing an average ice time of 13:18 per game. That’s certainly not terrible. In fact, it’s quite serviceable.

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This could mean the Coyotes are considering moving on from Martin Hanzal. He has drawn trade interest and with the Montreal Canadiens being short two centers for a bit, perhaps they make a trade for him. This would give Arizona a bit of flexibility, as Holland could also help them replace Hanzal without having to rush a young player into an uncomfortable role.