Leafs lose another defenseman in free agency

As we patiently await the announcements of a number of top UFAs on Saturday, we have already seen Ryan O'Reilly and Luke Schenn leave Toronto to sign with the Nashville Predators. Now, another Leafs defenseman has signed elsewhere.

I know some Leaf fans let out an audible sigh of relief reading that one, but Justin Holl is indeed headed to Detroit on a 3-year deal, worth more than $3M per season.

Last season, Holl had 18 points over 80 games while averaging just over 20 minutes of ice time per night. Although he was a decent penalty killer for the Leafs, there were countless times he seemed invisible on the ice. He's had some plays wind up on the highlight reel, too. I mean, how could anyone forget this?

Nonetheless, this deal with the Red Wings is a pay increase for Holl, going up from a $2 million AAV to $3.4 million.

Former Maple Leafs Pivot Ryan O'Reilly Among Two Potential Trade Targets in Toronto

NHL Insider Reveals Auston Matthews' Return Date for the Maple Leafs

The Hits Just Keep Coming for the Maple Leafs: Another Absence Leads to Another AHL Recall

Pair of Maple Leafs Reporters Engage in Heated Altercation Over Mitch Marner's Actual Value

Ryan Reaves' Brother Gets Involved in Public Beef with Oilers Defenseman Darnell Nurse

NHL Explains Why Zach Whitecloud's Hit on Matthew Knies Didn't Warrant a Suspension

Oilers' Darnell Nurse Deep Fries Maple Leafs Enforcer Ryan Reaves For Dangerous Hit

Player Safety Reportedly Makes Controversial Decision on Zach Whitecloud's hit on Leafs' Matthew Knies

Craig Berube Shares Surprising Update on Leafs Winger Matthew Knies

Craig Berube Shares Exciting News Regarding Maple Leafs Captain Auston Matthews