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New York Rangers’ Expansion Draft Candidate: Nick Holden

By Garrett Gartino

Feb 23, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Rangers defenseman Nick Holden (22) lines up before a face-off against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Air Canada Centre. The Rangers beat the Maple Leafs 2-1 in the shootout. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 23, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Rangers defenseman Nick Holden (22) lines up before a face-off against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Air Canada Centre. The Rangers beat the Maple Leafs 2-1 in the shootout. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Rangers will have many decisions to make leading up to the 2017 NHL Expansion Draft. Defenseman Nick Holden has turned in his strongest season to date and his value has never been higher. Blue Line Station takes a look at what he can offer the Las Vegas Golden Knights if exposed.

The trade deadline is in the rear-view mirror, and team executives are beginning to turn their attention towards the 2017 NHL Expansion draft. Among New York Rangers’ players that may possibly be exposed is defenseman Nick Holden.

Jeff Gorton has many decisions to make about what players to protect, and defensively he’s handcuffed more so than anywhere else. As a result, Holden seems likely to be left exposed and carries with him the highest value of his career.

On The Ice

Nick Holden has taken on a variety of roles since joining the Rangers’ team. However, where Holden has stood out the most has been on the offensive side of things.

In his age-29 season, his first in New York, Holden has put together the most impressive campaign of his career. He has reached career highs in assists (20) and points (29), and sits one score away from tying his career high of 10 goals. What’s most impressive is that he has accomplished this in just 65 games.

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This season’s new offensive heights have created a dimension to Holden’s value that will be important to the Golden Knights’ decision. Although he has never been expected to quarterback a power-play or lead his defense in points, Holden has averaged over 20 points a season since becoming a regular at the NHL level.

Vegas will be looking across the league in their search for defensemen to compete immediately. Holden’s resume continues to become more impressive, in large part due to his ability to play 20 minutes a night.

He may not be fit to play against the opposition’s top players, but Holden has proven he can defend his zone on a consistent basis. His +13 is the highest plus/minus since his rookie season when he appeared in just 54 games.

Off the Ice

In Holden, the Golden Knights would also be receiving a player that has been a coach favorite on both of his full-time hockey clubs. The team will be looking for veterans to step up and take on leadership roles in their inaugural season. His previous head coach’s endorsements could present an opportunity for Holden to make a claim as a locker room presence.

Perhaps the most attractive part of Nick Holden’s value is his $1.65-million cap hit. Not many players offer the dependability and affordability that Holden’s contract offers. Building a team that can be competitive and financially efficient would be much easier with him on Vegas’ roster.

Verdict

Holden has been a tremendous pickup for New York this season. His value to the team has been irreplaceable considering the state of the Rangers’ defense. However, his value may never be higher and it would not be a surprise to see his services called upon by Vegas due to this season’s efforts.

Next: New York Rangers: Tanner Glass is Not the Answer to the Team’s Needed Toughness

Vegas GM George McPhee is the man with the most pressure on him heading into the 2017 NHL Expansion Draft. If he expects his team to contend from day one, he must address his defense first. Nick Holden could prove to be a savvy choice for the Golden Knights, much like he was for Jeff Gorton and the New York Rangers.

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