Significant changes may be coming to the Detroit Red Wings’ blue line this offseason. According to recent reports, team management is seriously considering the possibility of terminating the contract of defenseman Justin Holl—currently the teammate of star forward Patrick Kane. This speculation, first reported by NHL Trade Rumors, suggests that Holl’s time in Detroit could come to an early end, just one season after joining the franchise.
Holl, 33, has struggled to carve out a consistent role in the Red Wings’ lineup. Offensively, his impact has been limited, recording just one goal and five points across 67 games this season. These numbers fall short of expectations following his free-agent signing in the summer of 2023.
Jeremy Tingly of NHL Trade Rumors noted: “Last season with the Red Wings, the Tonka Bay, MN native registered five assists in just 38 games. He was a healthy scratch for long stretches throughout last year and hasn’t been consistently performing to expectations since signing a multi-year contract with the Red Wings back in the summer of 2023.”
The financial implications of parting ways with Holl could also play a factor. According to Heavy.com, terminating his contract would free up approximately $2.2 million in cap space for the 2025–26 season—space that could be crucial for Detroit as they look to retool their roster and remain competitive in the Eastern Conference.
Underwhelming season and playoff hopes
The Red Wings have endured another frustrating campaign, currently holding a 36-33-7 record with a -20 goal differential. Despite these struggles, the team has managed to keep faint playoff hopes alive, riding a two-game win streak heading into a pivotal stretch.
Detroit will look to make it three in a row as they prepare to face the Montreal Canadiens (38-30-9) on Tuesday. While that game carries immediate playoff implications, speculation around Justin Holl’s future—especially given his status as Patrick Kane’s teammate—adds another layer of intrigue to the franchise’s longer-term outlook.