Sheldon Keefe had been looking to get Conor Timmins into the lineup. The Maple Leafs head coach says Justin Holl’s play on Saturday opened the door wide open.
Conor Timmins hasn’t played in a game since Jan. 27 against the Ottawa Senators, but it's clear the Toronto Maple Leafs have plans for the young defenseman.
In that time, the club signed Timmins to a two-year, $2.2 million contract extension after an 18-game run that saw the 24-year-old score a goal and add 11 assists.
But the Leafs had an optimal look and a healthy complement of defensemen since that time and Timmins had to wait until a performance-based need for a move would occur.
Evidently, that comes at the expense of Justin Holl
"His game at times has been tremendous and has helped us through some real tough times, he's a reason our defense has been a constant for us in terms of his contributions, but at times it has also slipped," Keefe said of Holl. "To me, the other night was one of those nights. We've been looking to get a guy like Timmins to get him going and for someone to take out. So, don't give me a reason."
Holl was on the ice for three of the Columbus Blue Jackets' four goals in a 4-3 loss on Saturday night. His -3 rating was by far the worst of any player on the Leafs on Saturday. He didn't look particularly strong while defending Kirill Marchenko's goal which tied things up 2-2 in the second period.
"I know I made some plays that I don't like and I made a lot of plays that I do like, too," Holl said after practice on Tuesday. "It's all about trying to key in on what you can do better."
One of the examples of Holl doing something well was a third-period block on Patrik Laine's shot late in the third period.
Holl has played in every game this season and his scratch on Wednesday would leave 39-year-old Mark Giordano as the only Leafs defenseman to suit up for every contest.
Timothy Liljegren moved up to skate with Giordano on the second pair at practice on Tuesday, while Timmins will skate with familiar linemate Rasmus Sandin.
A pending unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. Holl has two goals and nine assists in 54 games in 2022-23.