Peter Holland cleared waivers Saturday, which could bode well for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Holland’s arbitration hearing is set for Monday, July 25, but the Leafs placing Holland on waivers was a tactical move that will help them through the process.
Peter Holland clears waivers.
— James Mirtle (@mirtle) July 23, 2016
Placing a player on waivers prior to their arbitration hearing as the Leafs did with Holland is a tactic that is used to demonstrate that a player is deserving of a two-way deal if they go unclaimed. Fortunately for Toronto, Holland did clear waivers, and could be subject to a two-year deal that will give the Leafs more flexibility given their limited cap space for the 2016-17 season.
Holland played a career high 65 games last season, scoring nine goals and a career-high 27 points with the Leafs. Holland was acquired by Toronto during the 2013-14 season, and he’s played in parts of three seasons with the team. Holland is still just 25-years-old, and could look to make a bigger impact in the upcoming season than he has in previous years.
As reported by Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, The Leafs are offering $900,000 while Holland is asking for $2.1 million in arbitration. The price-point demanded by Holland is too steep for the Leafs who will now gain leverage in arbitration talks due to Holland clearing waivers.