Justin Holl has played nearly 300 NHL games, but as he joins the Detroit Red Wings, his mindset is that of a newcomer.
"I think I always have stuff to prove," Holl said after inking a three-year, $10.2 million deal that carries a $3.4 million annual average value. The July free-agent signing plugged the hole created when general manager Steve Yzerman traded right-shot defenseman Filip Hronek at last March's deadline. Further depth at right-side defense was added with the August acquisition of veteran Jeff Petry.
"The reality of the situation is it’s a very competitive league, and you need to be at your best at all times in order to be valuable," Holl said.