3 potential NHL buyout candidates the Sabres should keep an eye on
Justin Holl would be an ultra-familiar face if the Sabres let their RFAs walk
Of the three players listed, Justin Holl would be the least likely one to find a home in Buffalo. It’s tough to see him sticking around the Motor City, if this past season serves as an example. Holl played in just 38 games for the Detroit Red Wings and registered an ultra-career-low average total ice time of just 15:05 in seasons when he played in 38 games or more.
But his presence on the blue line, even as a seventh defenseman, would bring a hard-hitting mentality, someone who isn’t afraid to block shots on goal, and a player who would provide solid play in the defensive zone at even strength and when short-handed.
The Red Wings struggled defensively this past season, but that wasn’t always the case with Holl, who finished with a 92.3 on-ice save percentage at even strength, and he saw just 21 goals go by in that same situation. Adjust the latter number to 82 games, and you get just 45 goals allowed.
While his possession quality at even strength was a measly minus-6.2, he was on the ice for 10 goals above expected with 28. His xGA in the same situation sat at 24.4, so overall, Holl’s impact was a little better than what was expected, and it also shows he could help out a team like the Sabres if Kevyn Adams opts to let restricted free agents Henri Jokiharju, Kale Clague, and Jacob Bryson walk.
feed
(Statistics powered by Hockey-Reference)