With a potential salary arbitration hearing looming on Monday, the Toronto Maple Leafs took a page from the Minnesota Wild’s book and waived Peter Holland.
The message - whether it’s more intended for Holland or a possible arbitrator - is that the Maple Leafs believe that Holland is merely worthy of a two-way deal.
The Wild did something similar with Jordan Schroeder, who cleared waivers.
The Globe & Mail’s James Mirtle believes that Holland won’t be back with Toronto, with a few paths leading to such a conclusion.
I don't think we'll see Holland back playing with the Leafs next season. Either a team claims him here or he is moved after arbitration.
— James Mirtle (@mirtle) July 22, 2016
This can only happen if his arbitration award is huge, which seems unlikely. Leafs in awkward spot if Holland wins in arb though.
— James Mirtle (@mirtle) July 22, 2016
Holland, 25, has been serviceable for the Leafs, scoring 27 points in 65 games last season with similar numbers in 2014-15.
He already has 195 regular season games under his belt between the Maple Leafs and Ducks (the team who drafted him 15th overall in 2009).
None of his numbers scream big payday, but it’s plausible that someone might at least believe that he’s worthy of a one-way deal. The Leafs might disagree, however.
