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NHL Free Agency: Grading the Golden Knights’ signings

By Jeremy Lambert

WINNIPEG, MB - MAY 20: Ryan Reaves #75 of the Vegas Golden Knights celebrates with teammates after scoring a second period goal against the Winnipeg Jets in Game Five of the Western Conference Finals during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bell MTS Place on May 20, 2018 in Winnipeg, Canada. (Photo by Jason Halstead/Getty Images)
WINNIPEG, MB - MAY 20: Ryan Reaves #75 of the Vegas Golden Knights celebrates with teammates after scoring a second period goal against the Winnipeg Jets in Game Five of the Western Conference Finals during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bell MTS Place on May 20, 2018 in Winnipeg, Canada. (Photo by Jason Halstead/Getty Images) /
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NASHVILLE, TN – FEBRUARY 3: Nick Holden #55 of the New York Rangers skates against the Nashville Predators during an NHL game at Bridgestone Arena on February 3, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – FEBRUARY 3: Nick Holden #55 of the New York Rangers skates against the Nashville Predators during an NHL game at Bridgestone Arena on February 3, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Added Defensive Depth

Signed Nick Holden to two-year contract, $2.2 million AAV

Coaches love Nick Holden. When the Colorado Avalanche traded him to the New York Rangers for a fourth-round pick, Patrick Roy called Alain Vigneault and said, “You just got one of my better defensemen.” Holden was given consistent playing time under Roy and used in a top four role throughout his time in Denver. The results were average at best.

But Vigneault took Roy at his word and used Holden in a top four role as well. The results were slightly better as Holden had 34 points in his first season in New York. He tailed off in his second season and was dealt to Boston at the trade deadline. He’s coming off a 17-point season between the two clubs. His possession numbers have always been below average, until he went to Boston. Amazing what a good team and proper utilization will do for a guy.

At best, Holden is a bottom pairing defender. Using him in a top four role is simply asking for trouble. Vegas’ projected defense is Brayden McNabb, Nate Schmidt, Shea Theodore (restricted free agent, expect to re-sign), Deryk Engelland, Holden and Colin Miller (unrestricted free agent, expect to re-sign). 

Close your eyes, Vegas fans.

It’s possible Holden could play a top-four role. The Golden Knights defense played well above their head last season and I would not trade them to stay at that level. If any of them tail off, Holden has a “proven” track record of playing big minutes.

Gerard Gallant might be the reigning Jack Adams winner. But he’s never dealt with a force as power as hard working Nick Holden.

Grade: B (on the condition he plays a bottom two role. Drops to a D if he’s in the top four)

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