New York Rangers Year in Review: Top Five Surprises of 2016

2 of 6

Dec 27, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Nick Holden (22) throws a puck to a fan after defeating the Ottawa Senators at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Nick Holden

When the New York Rangers traded for Colorado’s Nick Holden in exchange a 4th round pick there were very little expectations. His tenure with the Avalanche was mixed, spending time as both a healthy scratch as well as a top-pairing defenseman. In his three years in Colorado, Holden played 214 games, amassing 21 goals and 37 assists.

Fast forward to the 2016-17 season and Holden has taken on an important new role with the Rangers. After seeming out of place early in the season playing on his off-side and against teams top competition, he has settled in as one of the team’s most consistent defenseman.

Holden is playing the second most minutes (19:59 ATOI) of the defensive group, behind captain Ryan McDonagh. He is also on pace to surpass his previous career high in points of 25 as he currently has 18 points (6 goals, 12 assists).

Holden also leads the Rangers’ defense in plus/minus, a testament to his ability to limit scoring chances.

Nick Holden’s calm has allowed head coach Alain Vigneault to deploy him in every situation, both offensive and defensive. With the 2016-17 Rangers needing all the help they can get defensively, Holden has been a welcome addition.

Home/Analysis