Newcomer Holm brings depth to defensive corps
Sent to Chicago, two-way defender excited after deal
The Golden Knights made a splash at the NHL trade deadline by acquiring wing Tomas Tatar from Detroit. But a quieter deal earlier Monday for defenseman Philip Holm figures to provide a valuable return for the Chicago Wolves.
“It gives them more depth potentially if Vegas needs him,” Chicago coach Rocky Thompson said. “But it certainly helps solidify our defense here moving forward, which we feel is a really good group.”
The 26-year-old learned of the trade Monday morning while in Colorado with the Canucks. Brendan Leipsic was sent to Vancouver and Holm was assigned to Chicago. He started his Wolves career with a rare 11 a.m. game on Tuesday.
Holm played in 42 games with the Utica Comets before the trade and led all defensemen with 11 goals and 18 assists.
“I’m a two-way defender, I like to skate with the puck and contribute to the offense whenever I can get the shots,” Holm said. “With a new team, it’s important to get to know the system and get into playing your game right away.”
Holm has come a long way from home in the past year. It’s his first North American season after three in the Swedish Hockey League, but he already has one special tie to Vegas — he made his NHL debut at T-mobile Arena when Vancouver played the Knights last Friday.
“I was excited because I was just there about a week ago playing them, so I know about the atmosphere and the rink,” Holm said. “They’ve got a really good team, and it’s fun.”
Best offense is good depth
Forwards Stefan Matteau, Tomas Hyka and Paul Thompson have already spent time in Vegas this season — and post-trade deadline more could join the list.
The Golden Knights aren’t limited in their number of AHL call-ups going forward, and moves could be imminent as the regular season winds down.
But there’s no worries in Chicago.
“What it tells us is that both organizations want to win, and they want to cultivate winning here,” Rocky Thompson said. “[The Golden Knights] have made some outstanding moves that not only help them, but they’ve complemented us as well.”
TJ Tynan, Brandon Pirri and Teemu Pulkkinen have all surpassed the 40-point mark, but the Wolves are also looking to their rookies.
The first Golden Knight, Reid Duke, was sent to Chicago in February and is still rehabbing his shoulder after surgery, but he has skated with the team and could return soon.
Keegan Kolesar, a Vegas prospect, was sent to the ECHL in December but was re-promoted to the Wolves in late February. Since then, he scored his first three AHL goals and added an assist.
“It shows the talent and depth of our team,” Pirri said. “When a guy goes down, others are capable of playing offensive minutes or just bigger minutes in general. It’s a workload done by committee, but at the same time, it’s opportunity, and those are the kind of players you want.”
Contact Emily Polglaze at enpolglaze@gmail.com. Follow @enpolglaze on Twitter