Justin Holl is headed to waivers as Spencer Carbery and the Washington Capitals make another significant roster decision before opening night.
Washington placed the veteran defenseman on waivers Saturday for the purpose of assigning him to the Hershey Bears of the AHL.
It's a notable move for a player who arrived in Washington during free agency this summer. Holl had been competing for a spot on a crowded Capitals blue line.
The 34-year-old spent last season with the St. Louis Blues, appearing in 9 games. He recorded 1 goal and 2 points while putting 7 shots on net.
For Carbery, the move provides another indication of how Washington's defensive depth chart is taking shape as training camp reaches its final stage.
-
Holl has played 412 regular-season NHL games over his career. His experience gave him a legitimate chance to push for work in Washington, but the Capitals are choosing a different direction out of camp.
Capitals make their call on Justin Holl
The next step is waivers. If Holl goes unclaimed, Washington can send him to Hershey and keep an experienced right-shot defenseman available inside the organization.
That depth could matter quickly. Injuries and lineup changes can force teams deep into their organizational depth during an 82-game schedule, and Holl gives Washington an NHL-tested option.
The timing also raises the stakes. Washington has been steadily cutting its training camp roster, and every move now provides a clearer picture of the group Carbery intends to carry into the regular season.
Holl wasn't the only name involved Saturday. The Capitals also recalled Tyler Kopff, Petr Sikora, Alex Suzdalev and Jacob MacDonald for the day's game, creating another opportunity for Washington to evaluate its depth.
For Holl, the assignment would represent a major change after years of regular NHL duty. He previously played for the Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings before spending last season in St. Louis.
The Capitals signed Holl this summer as organizational depth. Now, barring a waiver claim, that depth appears headed to Hershey rather than Washington's opening-night blue line.
Should Justin Holl have received a longer look with the Capitals?
Also read on Markerzone.com:
Kent Hughes makes his decision and sends 12 players to Laval is a big transaction
