Holl was signed by Detroit to a three-year, $10.2 million contract on July 1, 2023, following his stint with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He was expected to strengthen the Red Wings’ defense, but he had a challenging first year in Detroit.

Although Holl was a potential buyout candidate this summer after a tough 2023-24 NHL season, Detroit decided against it. Bultman predicts that if Holl’s performance does not improve, a buyout in 2025 could be likely.

Bultman explains that the Red Wings likely avoided a buyout this summer to prevent four years of dead cap, despite the amount being relatively small ($1.13 million annually). He notes that while the management may believe in Holl’s potential, it’s uncertain how coach Derek Lalonde will use him. Bultman adds that if Holl continues to underperform and remains a $3.4 million scratch for much of the season, a buyout in 2025 would be more feasible as it would involve only two years of dead cap at the same $1.13 million cost.

Holl played 38 games last season for the Red Wings, scoring no goals and contributing 5 assists for a total of 5 points.

For the current season, Detroit added defenseman Erik Gustafsson with a two-year, $4 million contract to bolster their defense. According to DailyFaceoff.com’s lineup projection, Holl is expected to be a healthy scratch, which increases the likelihood of a buyout in 2025.

Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman remains optimistic about the team’s playoff prospects. After missing the playoffs in the 2023-24 season, Detroit made significant moves this offseason, including signing Vladimir Tarasenko and re-signing Patrick Kane. Yzerman believes the team has a good chance to compete for a playoff spot, emphasizing the need for health, strong goaltending, and players exceeding expectations. The Red Wings have not reached the playoffs since the 2015-16 season.