Quoting: Penguins_Legend_Sheary
Pesce was really good from 2016-2019 but I think the Leafs will be fine with Holl as the 4D. Plus they kept Dermott, maybe they are confident of him breaking out in the top 4!
Quoting: TheLeafsSeason
No one is keeping Holl over Pesce LOL
Quoting: Penguins_Legend_Sheary
Yes I agree, Pesce is a very good player. I heard his results suffered because he was paired with Edmundson who was a black hole.
pesce is really good, arguably a #2 D. better than holl ofc, but for the leafs, we have a great 123 of rielly, muzzin and now brodie. add in guys like sandin, dermott, holl, and lehtonen who are all viable #4 guys.
trading a 3C/2LW, our best NHL-ready RD prospect and a 2nd rounder for a #2 D to fill a #4D hole didn't make much sense
despite the hate he gets, justin holl was VERY good for the leafs last year, it might be a blip/fluke and he might be terrible, but if he plays anything like he did last year then we have a solid shutdown RD who can log 21+ mins a night for $2M AAV.