7. Nick Holden
As a five-year NHL veteran, Nick Holden came to the Rangers in an offseason trade with the Colorado Avalanche during the NHL Draft. Recent reports have come out stating that Holden was a favorite amongst former coach Patrick Roy, and it looks like he’s viewed in the same stance with Alain Vigneault.
He hasn’t passed the eye test just yet.
For the majority of the early season, Holden has been receiving top pair minutes while playing alongside captain Ryan McDonagh. The 29-year old fits the mold of Dan Girardi, someone has shown flashes of dominance in his own zone but provides little else.
That’s why fans are so disappointed. Gaining playing time ahead of Adam Clendening (we’ll get to him in a bit), Holden has been sub-par on defense while providing little on offense. Thus far, he hasn’t impressed.
Grade: C
