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Wikipedia

Nick Holden

Nick Holden (born May 15, 1987) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman who played 12 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Columbus Blue Jackets, Colorado Avalanche, New York Rangers, Boston Bruins, Vegas Golden Knights, and Ottawa Senators.

Nick Holden
Holden with the Colorado Avalanche in 2014
Born (1987-05-15) May 15, 1987 (age 36)
St. Albert, Alberta, Canada
Height 6 ft 4 in (193 cm)
Weight 210 lb (95 kg; 15 st 0 lb)
Position Defence
Shot Left
Played for Columbus Blue Jackets
Colorado Avalanche
New York Rangers
Boston Bruins
Vegas Golden Knights
Ottawa Senators
National team  Canada
NHL Draft Undrafted
Playing career 2008–2023

Holden began his hockey career in the St. Albert, Alberta area, playing alongside Ryan Stanton with the St. Albert Raiders. His play eventually drew attention towards him from the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL), but he never foresaw a future with the sport. By the age of 18, Holden began apprenticeships to work towards the goal of becoming a plumber. Instead, he joined the Chilliwack Bruins of the Western Hockey League (WHL) as an undrafted player and played two seasons with them.

Holden ended his major junior hockey career by signing a three-year entry-level contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets. He played within the organization for seven years before leaving as a free agent for the Colorado Avalanche. While with the Avalanche, Holden became a mainstay on the NHL roster and proved to be an important part of their defence during the 2014 Stanley Cup playoffs. He spent three seasons with the Avalanche before being traded to the New York Rangers in 2016, who in turn, traded him to the Boston Bruins after a year and a half. Holden played 18 games with the Bruins before signing as a free agent with the Vegas Golden Knights, his fifth NHL club. Holden was traded to the Ottawa Senators in July 2021, before retiring in 2023 to join the Golden Knights' player development staff.

Early life edit

Holden was born on May 15, 1987, in St. Albert, Alberta, to parents Lynda and John Holden.[1] His father John was a former hockey player and his step brother played for the Vancouver Giants.[2] He grew up in Alberta with siblings Tiffany and Jack[1] and attended St. Albert Catholic High School.[3] When he was 12 years old, Holden earned his first job as an ice hockey referee.[1]

Playing career edit

Junior edit

As a youth, Holden played bantam and midget-A ice hockey without trying out for a team.[4] He began playing peewee hockey with his sister Tiffany and only took the game seriously when he reached Midget.[2] He later played Midget AAA hockey for the St. Albert Raiders alongside future NHLer Ryan Stanton. In his final season with the team, he played in 35 games and recorded 22 points, the most by a defenseman, which drew attention from the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL). His play earned him a callup to the Junior A-level Camrose Kodiaks and competed with them in the RBC Cup.[5] During the 2005 AJHL Championship, Holden and the Kodiaks lost 3–2 against the Weyburn Red Wings of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL).[6]

Holden eventually played Junior A-level hockey for the Kodiaks and Sherwood Park Crusaders in the AJHL,[7] but disliked the attention he received.[4] While playing in the AJHL, Holden has said he was more focused on earning a college scholarship than continuing to play hockey.[8] By the age of 18, Holden secured an apprenticeship in plumbing which he planned on continuing if his hockey career did not pan out.[9] As a result, Holden flew under the radar of most scouts until Chilliwack Bruins General manager Darrell May saw him play for the Kodiaks the night before the 2006 Western Hockey League (WHL) Entry Draft.[2]

He eventually joined the Chilliwack Bruins of the WHL as an undrafted player in 2006 after graduating from St. Albert's.[3] Standing at 6 feet 3 inches (1.91 m) and weighing 200 pounds (91 kg), Holden garnered attention from Allain Roy of CMG Sports, a sports agent company. Holden said this is when he'd first "ever thought about it....I never figured I needed an agent."[10] After his rookie season, Holden earned a scholarship to the University of the Fraser Valley[11] and was invited to the Edmonton Oilers 2007 NHL training camp on an Amateur Tryout.[12] Upon returning for his second season with the Bruins, Holden was named captain of the team[13] while recording 22 goals and 38 assists for a total of 60 points. On March 28, 2008, Holden signed a three year entry level contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets, thus concluding his major junior career.[14]

Professional edit

Columbus Blue Jackets edit

 
Holden during his tenure with the Springfield Falcons.

Upon signing his contract, Holden joined the Columbus Blue Jackets then-American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch, for the remainder of the 2007–08 season.[14] He played one game with the team before beginning his first full professional campaign during the 2008–09 season,[3] where he recorded 22 points in 61 games.[15] Holden attended the Blue Jackets training camp prior to the 2009–10 season, but was reassigned to the AHL on September 28, 2009.[16] He spent the entirety of the season with the Crunch and recorded a then-career high 23 points in 68 games.[15]

Following the 2009–10 season, the Blue Jackets switched their AHL affiliate to the Springfield Falcons and Holden began the season with them. After playing in two games for the Falcons, Holden was called up to the NHL as a replacement for the injured Mike Commodore.[17] He made his NHL debut on October 20, 2010, in a 3–1 victory over the Anaheim Ducks[18] and played in five games before being reassigned to the AHL on November 5, 2010.[19] Holden concluded the season with the Falcons and recorded a then-career high 25 points in 67 games.[15] On June 20, 2011, Holden and the Blue Jackets agreed to a one-year, two-way NHL-American Hockey League Contract for the following season.[20]

With a new contract signed, Holden attended the Blue Jackets training camp prior to the 2011–12 season.[21] On October 1, 2011, Holden was placed on waivers by the Blue Jackets for the purpose of assigning him to the AHL[22] and he thus started the 2011–12 season with the Springfield Falcons.[23] Early in the season, Holden suffered an ankle and shoulder injury which cut his campaign to only 25 games.[24] He returned to the Falcons during the lock-out-shortened 2012–13 season, after attending the Jackets training camp.[25] He was named an alternate captain of the Falcons[26] and appeared in a brief, two-game return to the NHL with the Blue Jackets. After recording 4 goals and 18 assists, Holden was called up to the NHL level on February 4, 2013.[27] He finished the season with nine goals and 39 points in 73 games, and was named the Falcons IOA/American Specialty AHL Man of the Year.[28]

 
Holden during a game in 2013

Colorado Avalanche edit

On July 5, 2013, Holden left the Blue Jackets organization and signed a two-year contract as a free agent with the Colorado Avalanche.[29] After partaking and impressing in his first Avalanche training camp, Holden was unexpectedly successful in making the team's opening night roster for the 2013–14 season.[30] Holden sat as a healthy scratch in the first 11 games of the season before making his Avalanche debut as a forward in a 3–2 overtime victory over the Dallas Stars on November 1, 2013.[31] At the time of his debut, he was the only player on the roster to not play in a regular-season game during the 2013–14 season.[32] In returning to his natural position of defence, Holden scored his first career NHL goal, a game-winner, against Braden Holtby in a 4–1 victory over the Washington Capitals on November 10, 2013.[33] As the season progressed, Holden solidified his position within the Avalanche blueline, and on January 18, in a game against the Nashville Predators, he set a career high in scoring two goals and three points whilst also recording an all-time team record of nine hits for a defenceman. His three points and nine hits were last matched by Jiří Šlégr of the Atlanta Thrashers in 2001.[34] Holden finished the season second amongst Avalanche defencemen with ten goals in only 54 games.[35] He also led all Avalanche defenceman with three goals and four points in their Western Conference Quarter-final series defeat in the 2014 Stanley Cup playoffs against the Minnesota Wild.[36] Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations Joe Sakic spoke highly of Holden's play, saying "He provided offense from our blue line and played with a lot of confidence as the season moved on. We are pleased that he will continue to be a part of our team."[37] Holden was rewarded from his break-out season in signing a three-year contract extension on July 1, 2014.[38]

Holden began the 2014–15 season with the Avalanche and played in his 100th career NHL game.[39] Numerously throughout the season, Holden was called upon to serve at the Avalanche's fourth line forward with teammates Marc-André Cliche and winger Cody McLeod.[40] He also sat as a healthy scratch during the 2014–15 campaign, including four consecutive games in December.[41] In spite of this, Holden remained a mainstay in the Avalanche's lineup and once again made their opening night roster.[42]

New York Rangers and Boston Bruins edit

On June 25, 2016, with two years remaining on his contract, Holden was traded by the Avalanche at the 2016 NHL Entry Draft to the New York Rangers in exchange for a 4th-round pick in 2017.[43] In the 2016–17 season, Holden enjoyed a successful year with the Rangers in establishing new career highs with 11 goals and 34 points in 80 games.[44] He often played on the right side for the Rangers due to their depleted defense, and spent time on both the second and first top pairings with Marc Staal and Ryan McDonagh.[45] He played in nearly all games for the Rangers in the postseason, only sitting as a healthy scratch during Game 3 against Montreal.[44] Fellow defenseman Brady Skjei spoke highly of Holden as a teammate, saying "He’s a steady player and has a good shot from the point, obviously.... He makes the simple play, he’s strong, big, skates well....He’s a nice guy, not a rah-rah guy in the room, but everyone respects him."[46] In spite of this, his future with the Rangers was tenuous and coach Alain Vigneault acknowledged Holden was not guaranteed a spot on the roster in the 2017–18 season.[47] Accurately so, Holden played only 55 games for the Rangers while in the final year of his contract before being traded to the Boston Bruins in exchange for Rob O'Gara and a 2018 third-round draft pick.[48] Holden, who was familiar with Massachusetts having played for the Springfield Falcons, left his wife and children in New York as he joined the team in Toronto.[49] He appeared in 18 games with the Bruins to close out the season with one goal and five points. In the post-season, Holden was relegated to a healthy scratch throughout the run, appearing in just two games.[50]

Vegas Golden Knights edit

With the Bruins unwilling to extend his contract, Holden left to sign with his fifth NHL club, the Vegas Golden Knights, on a two-year, $4.4 million contract on July 1, 2018.[51] In his first season with the Golden Knights, Holden was often paired with Shea Theodore or Zach Whitecloud on the blueline.[52] On February 28, 2020, Holden assisted on a goal with Nicolas Roy and Nick Cousins, making them the first trio of "Nicks" to combine on a goal.[53] At the 2020 NHL Trade Deadline, Vegas rewarded Holden's play with a two-year, $3.4 million contract extension; preventing him from becoming an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2019–20 season.[54] Holden spent most of the 2020–21 season on Vegas' "Taxi Squad", designed to hold players on the NHL roster without having their cap hit. Something Vegas desperately needed. Holden participated in his most successful postseason yet, netting two goals and five assists in 15 games before being sent home at the hands of the Montreal Canadiens in the third round.

Ottawa Senators edit

On July 28, 2021, Holden was traded to the Ottawa Senators alongside a 2022 3rd-round pick in exchange for Evgenii Dadonov.[55] He played in 30 games with the Senators, registering one goal and four points. On January 27, 2022, the Senators signed Holden to a one-year, $1.3 million contract extension.[56] In his second season with the club, he played in 65 games, scoring two goals and sixteen points. At the end of the season he was informed that he would not be re-signed by the Senators.[57]

Retirement edit

On September 12, 2023, the Vegas Golden Knights announced that Holden had joined their player development staff, retiring from play in the process.[58]

Personal life edit

Holden and his wife Angela have four children together[59] and are devout Christians. He participates in a chapter of Fellowship of Christian Athletes alongside former teammate Ryan Carpenter.[60] On September 7, 2011, Holden was inducted into the St. Albert Skating Wall of Fame.[61]

During the 2016 Fort McMurray wildfire, Holden worked with Sport Central, a sports charity, to donate hockey equipment to children of Fort McMurray who lost theirs.[62] He also purchased and donated tickets for military organizations during the Avalanche's 2015 Military Appreciation Night.[63]

Career statistics edit

Regular season and playoffs edit

Regular season Playoffs
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
2003–04 St. Albert Steel 18U AA REMHL 34 9 15 24 70
2003–04 St. Albert Raiders AAA AMHL 2 0 0 0 0
2004–05 St. Albert Raiders AAA AMHL 35 7 15 22 24
2004–05 Camrose Kodiaks AJHL 4 0 0 0 0
2005–06 Camrose Kodiaks AJHL 29 5 8 13 27
2005–06 Sherwood Park Crusaders AJHL 28 2 15 17 19
2006–07 Chilliwack Bruins WHL 67 8 23 31 62 5 1 1 2 6
2007–08 Chilliwack Bruins WHL 70 22 38 60 54 4 1 3 4 0
2007–08 Syracuse Crunch AHL 1 0 0 0 2
2008–09 Syracuse Crunch AHL 61 4 18 22 46
2009–10 Syracuse Crunch AHL 68 6 17 23 52
2010–11 Springfield Falcons AHL 67 4 21 25 63
2010–11 Columbus Blue Jackets NHL 5 0 0 0 0
2011–12 Springfield Falcons AHL 25 3 6 9 14
2012–13 Springfield Falcons AHL 73 9 30 39 58 8 0 3 3 6
2012–13 Columbus Blue Jackets NHL 2 0 0 0 0
2013–14 Colorado Avalanche NHL 54 10 15 25 22 7 3 1 4 8
2014–15 Colorado Avalanche NHL 78 5 9 14 28
2015–16 Colorado Avalanche NHL 82 6 16 22 24
2016–17 New York Rangers NHL 80 11 23 34 35 11 2 2 4 4
2017–18 New York Rangers NHL 55 3 9 12 14
2017–18 Boston Bruins NHL 18 1 4 5 0 2 0 1 1 0
2018–19 Vegas Golden Knights NHL 61 3 12 15 14 1 0 0 0 2
2019–20 Vegas Golden Knights NHL 61 6 8 14 13 19 0 1 1 4
2020–21 Vegas Golden Knights NHL 17 0 2 2 2 15 2 5 7 0
2021–22 Ottawa Senators NHL 76 5 14 19 12
2022–23 Ottawa Senators NHL 65 2 14 16 10
NHL totals 654 52 126 178 174 55 7 10 17 18
Medal record
Representing   Canada
Ice hockey
World Championship
  2022 Finland

International edit

Year Team Event Result GP G A Pts PIM
2022 Canada WC   10 0 2 2 4
Senior totals 10 0 2 2 4

Awards and honours edit

Award Year Ref
AHL
Falcons IOA/American Specialty AHL Man of the Year 2013 [28]

References edit

  1. ^ a b c "Nick Holden" (PDF). nhl.bamcontent.com. National Hockey League. Retrieved March 16, 2020.
  2. ^ a b c Weber, Marc (November 30, 2007). "The Search Began In Alberta Snowstorm". The Province. Retrieved May 10, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. ^ a b c Mitchell, Laura; Neenan, John (February 5, 2009). "Rookie blueliners find common ground in Syracuse". theahl.com. Retrieved March 17, 2020.
  4. ^ a b Chambers, Mike (February 2, 2014). "Avalanche defenseman Nick Holden wasn't in a rush to play in the NHL". Denver Post. Retrieved March 17, 2020.
  5. ^ "Flashback Friday: Nick Holden". ajhl.ca. Alberta Junior Hockey League. August 11, 2017. Retrieved March 16, 2020.
  6. ^ "Where are they now? Nick Holden". ajhl.ca. July 12, 2018. Retrieved May 10, 2020.
  7. ^ "Alumni of The Week". ajhl.ca. Alberta Junior Hockey League. November 11, 2015. Retrieved March 16, 2020.
  8. ^ Kramer, Lindsay (April 2, 2008). "New defenseman raw but ready". Syracuse Post Standard. Syracuse – via NewspaperArchive. 
  9. ^ Gotz, Ben (January 22, 2019). "Golden Knights mailbag: Nick Holden on juggling, plumbing". Las Vegas Review Journal. Retrieved March 17, 2020.
  10. ^ Weber, Marc (January 17, 2008). "Late bloomers in demand". The Province. Retrieved March 17, 2020.
  11. ^ "2006-07 WHL Scholarship Recipients Announced". whl.ca. Western Hockey League. February 1, 2007. Retrieved March 17, 2020.
  12. ^ . nhl.com. National Hockey League. 2007. Archived from the original on March 17, 2020. Retrieved March 17, 2020.
  13. ^ Welsh, Eric J. (September 21, 2007). "Holden Named Bruins Captain". The Chilliwack Progress. Retrieved May 10, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
  14. ^ a b "Holden signs contract". whl.ca. Western Hockey League. March 28, 2008. Retrieved March 17, 2020.
  15. ^ a b c "Nick Holden". eliteprospects.com. Elite Prospects. Retrieved May 19, 2020.
  16. ^ "Crunch Announce Roster Moves". oursportscentral.com. Our Sports Central. September 28, 2009. Retrieved May 19, 2020.
  17. ^ "Falcons' Nick Holden promoted to Columbus Blue Jackets". masslive.com. Masslive. October 20, 2010. Retrieved May 10, 2020.
  18. ^ Hansen, Jeff (March 28, 2015). "Holden flashes NHL form". St. Albert Today. Retrieved May 10, 2020.
  19. ^ "Columbus Blue Jackets Activate Defenseman Mike Commodore Off Injured Reserve; Assign Defenseman Nick Holden to American Hockey League's Springfield Falcons". nhl.com. National Hockey League. November 5, 2010. Retrieved March 17, 2020.
  20. ^ "Columbus Blue Jackets Sign Defenseman Nick Holden to one-year, two-way NHL-American Hockey League Contract". nhl.com. National Hockey League. June 20, 2011. Retrieved May 19, 2020.
  21. ^ "Columbus Blue Jackets 2011 Training Camp Roster" (PDF). nhl.com. National Hockey League. 2011. Retrieved May 19, 2020.
  22. ^ "Blue Jackets Make Roster Moves". nhl.com. National Hockey League. October 1, 2011. Retrieved May 19, 2020.
  23. ^ "Opening rosters announced". theahl.com. American Hockey League. October 12, 2012. Retrieved May 19, 2020.
  24. ^ Brown, Gary (October 2, 2012). "Springfield Falcons' preseason is officially upon us". masslive.com. Retrieved March 17, 2020.
  25. ^ "Falcons get five more from Columbus". theahl.com. American Hockey League. September 15, 2012. Retrieved March 17, 2020.
  26. ^ Levine, Eric (December 4, 2012). "Falcons give back". theahl.com. Retrieved March 17, 2020.
  27. ^ "Nick Holden of Springfield Falcons called up by Columbus Blue Jackets". masslive.com. February 4, 2013. Retrieved March 17, 2020.
  28. ^ a b "Holden Named Springfield's IOA/American Specialty AHL Man of the Year". oursportscentral.com. April 11, 2013. Retrieved March 17, 2020.
  29. ^ "Avalanche announce signings". Colorado Avalanche. July 5, 2013. Retrieved July 5, 2013.
  30. ^ Chambers, Mike (October 1, 2013). "Avalanche to play longshots Nate Guenin and Nick Holden in NHL openers". The Denver Post. Retrieved May 19, 2020.
  31. ^ Dater, Adrian (November 1, 2013). "Colorado Avalanche defeats Dallas Stars in OT, improves to 11-1". Denver Post. Retrieved May 15, 2020.
  32. ^ Knabenbauer, Ron (November 1, 2013). "Nick Holden Ready to Play Forward versus Stars". nhl.com. National Hockey League. Retrieved May 15, 2020.
  33. ^ Ward, Scott (November 12, 2013). "Hardwork, positivity led to Holden's first score". Colorado Avalanche. Retrieved November 12, 2013.
  34. ^ Knabenbauer, Ron (January 19, 2014). "Holden Delivers Big Game As Avs Hold Off Predators". nhl.com. National Hockey League. Retrieved May 10, 2020.
  35. ^ "Nick Holden showing "undrafted" doesn't always have to mean "unwanted"". Denver Post. October 4, 2014. Retrieved October 4, 2014.
  36. ^ Hansen, Jeff (February 23, 2016). "Strong season for Holden". St. Albert Today. Retrieved May 19, 2020.
  37. ^ Simmons, Ryan (August 20, 2014). "Nick Holden: 2013-14 Season in Review". nhl.com. National Hockey League. Retrieved May 15, 2020.
  38. ^ "Avalanche signs Nick Holden to extension". Colorado Avalanche. July 1, 2014. Retrieved July 1, 2014.
  39. ^ Knabenbauer, Ron (January 12, 2015). "Power Play The Difference In Goaltending Duel". nhl.com. National Hockey League. Retrieved May 15, 2020.
  40. ^ Knabenbauer, Ron (December 29, 2014). "Holden To Play Forward Against Blues". nhl.com. National Hockey League.
  41. ^ Boulding, Ryan (January 4, 2015). "Avalanche Tilt Vs. Columbus Could Be Special". nhl.com. National Hockey League. Retrieved May 15, 2020.
  42. ^ Knabenbauer, Ron (October 8, 2015). "Plenty of Memories for Avs on Opening Night". nhl.com. National Hockey League. Retrieved May 15, 2020.
  43. ^ "Rangers acquire defenseman Nick Holden". New York Rangers. June 25, 2016. Retrieved June 25, 2016.
  44. ^ a b "The season that Nick Holden had for the Rangers". sny.tv. SportsNet New York. May 26, 2017. Retrieved March 17, 2020.
  45. ^ Brooks, Larry (February 20, 2018). "Rangers' fire sale begins with Nick Holden". New York Post. Retrieved May 10, 2020.
  46. ^ Zipay, Steve (April 17, 2017). "Rangers' Nick Holden, Pavel Buchnevich can help on offense". newsday.com. Newsday. Retrieved May 10, 2020.
  47. ^ "Marc Staal and Nick Holden know they are battling for spots". sny.tv. SportsNet New York. September 14, 2017. Retrieved May 10, 2020.
  48. ^ "Bruins acquire Nick Holden in trade with Rangers". Boston Bruins. February 2, 2018. Retrieved February 2, 2018.
  49. ^ Russo, Eric (February 23, 2018). "Holden Ready for Whatever Role Comes His Way". nhl.com. National Hockey League. Retrieved May 15, 2020.
  50. ^ Joe Haggerty (June 13, 2018). "A look at Bruins free agents: Nick Holden". nbcsports.com. NBC Sports. Retrieved March 17, 2020.
  51. ^ "Defenseman Nick Holden signed by Vegas". Vegas Golden Knights. July 1, 2017. Retrieved July 1, 2017.
  52. ^ Gotz, Ben (April 30, 2020). "Golden Knights roster review: Nick Holden". Las Vegas Review Journal. Retrieved May 10, 2020.
  53. ^ @StatsBySTATS (February 28, 2020). "The first goal for the @GoldenKnights tonight was scored by Nicolas Roy, with assists to Nick Cousins and Nick Holden. It's the first time in NHL history three players with the first name "Nick" (or a variation thereof) have combined on a goal" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  54. ^ Schoen, David (February 24, 2020). "Golden Knights sign Nick Holden to two-year extension". Las Vegas Review Journal. Retrieved May 19, 2020.
  55. ^ Tidcombe, Matt (July 28, 2021). "Sens acquire Holden from Vegas". NHL.com. Retrieved July 28, 2021.
  56. ^ "Senators sign defenceman Nick Holden to a one-year contract extension". Ottawa Senators. Retrieved January 27, 2022.
  57. ^ "Sens' Holden informed he won't be back next season". TSN. April 14, 2023. Retrieved June 27, 2023.
  58. ^ "Vegas Golden Knights Add Nick Holden to Player Development Staff". Vegas Golden Knights. September 12, 2023. Retrieved September 12, 2023. Holden retires after a 15-year professional career that included 654 NHL games.
  59. ^ Hill, Adam (September 21, 2018). "Vegas Born: Golden Knight Nick Holden's wife delivers son". Las Vegas Review Journal. Retrieved September 27, 2018.
  60. ^ Hill, Adam (March 11, 2019). "Faith guides Knights' Ryan Carpenter on and off the ice". Las Vegas Review Journal. Retrieved May 10, 2020.
  61. ^ Hensen, Jeff (September 7, 2011). "Holden skates into new season". stalberttoday.ca. Retrieved March 17, 2020.
  62. ^ Heidenreich, Phil (June 17, 2016). "Sports charity scores huge donation for Fort McMurray thanks to iconic hockey equipment brand". globalnews.ca. Retrieved March 16, 2020.
  63. ^ "Military Appreciation Night Feb. 22 at Pepsi Center". nhl.com. January 23, 2015. Retrieved March 16, 2020.

External links edit

  • Biographical information and career statistics from NHL.com, or Eliteprospects.com, or Hockey-Reference.com, or The Internet Hockey Database

nick, holden, born, 1987, canadian, former, professional, hockey, defenceman, played, seasons, national, hockey, league, columbus, blue, jackets, colorado, avalanche, york, rangers, boston, bruins, vegas, golden, knights, ottawa, senators, holden, with, colora. Nick Holden born May 15 1987 is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman who played 12 seasons in the National Hockey League NHL for the Columbus Blue Jackets Colorado Avalanche New York Rangers Boston Bruins Vegas Golden Knights and Ottawa Senators Nick HoldenHolden with the Colorado Avalanche in 2014Born 1987 05 15 May 15 1987 age 36 St Albert Alberta CanadaHeight6 ft 4 in 193 cm Weight210 lb 95 kg 15 st 0 lb PositionDefenceShotLeftPlayed forColumbus Blue JacketsColorado AvalancheNew York RangersBoston BruinsVegas Golden KnightsOttawa SenatorsNational team CanadaNHL DraftUndraftedPlaying career2008 2023Holden began his hockey career in the St Albert Alberta area playing alongside Ryan Stanton with the St Albert Raiders His play eventually drew attention towards him from the Alberta Junior Hockey League AJHL but he never foresaw a future with the sport By the age of 18 Holden began apprenticeships to work towards the goal of becoming a plumber Instead he joined the Chilliwack Bruins of the Western Hockey League WHL as an undrafted player and played two seasons with them Holden ended his major junior hockey career by signing a three year entry level contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets He played within the organization for seven years before leaving as a free agent for the Colorado Avalanche While with the Avalanche Holden became a mainstay on the NHL roster and proved to be an important part of their defence during the 2014 Stanley Cup playoffs He spent three seasons with the Avalanche before being traded to the New York Rangers in 2016 who in turn traded him to the Boston Bruins after a year and a half Holden played 18 games with the Bruins before signing as a free agent with the Vegas Golden Knights his fifth NHL club Holden was traded to the Ottawa Senators in July 2021 before retiring in 2023 to join the Golden Knights player development staff Contents 1 Early life 2 Playing career 2 1 Junior 2 2 Professional 2 2 1 Columbus Blue Jackets 2 2 2 Colorado Avalanche 2 2 3 New York Rangers and Boston Bruins 2 2 4 Vegas Golden Knights 2 2 5 Ottawa Senators 2 3 Retirement 3 Personal life 4 Career statistics 4 1 Regular season and playoffs 4 2 International 5 Awards and honours 6 References 7 External linksEarly life editHolden was born on May 15 1987 in St Albert Alberta to parents Lynda and John Holden 1 His father John was a former hockey player and his step brother played for the Vancouver Giants 2 He grew up in Alberta with siblings Tiffany and Jack 1 and attended St Albert Catholic High School 3 When he was 12 years old Holden earned his first job as an ice hockey referee 1 Playing career editJunior edit As a youth Holden played bantam and midget A ice hockey without trying out for a team 4 He began playing peewee hockey with his sister Tiffany and only took the game seriously when he reached Midget 2 He later played Midget AAA hockey for the St Albert Raiders alongside future NHLer Ryan Stanton In his final season with the team he played in 35 games and recorded 22 points the most by a defenseman which drew attention from the Alberta Junior Hockey League AJHL His play earned him a callup to the Junior A level Camrose Kodiaks and competed with them in the RBC Cup 5 During the 2005 AJHL Championship Holden and the Kodiaks lost 3 2 against the Weyburn Red Wings of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League SJHL 6 Holden eventually played Junior A level hockey for the Kodiaks and Sherwood Park Crusaders in the AJHL 7 but disliked the attention he received 4 While playing in the AJHL Holden has said he was more focused on earning a college scholarship than continuing to play hockey 8 By the age of 18 Holden secured an apprenticeship in plumbing which he planned on continuing if his hockey career did not pan out 9 As a result Holden flew under the radar of most scouts until Chilliwack Bruins General manager Darrell May saw him play for the Kodiaks the night before the 2006 Western Hockey League WHL Entry Draft 2 He eventually joined the Chilliwack Bruins of the WHL as an undrafted player in 2006 after graduating from St Albert s 3 Standing at 6 feet 3 inches 1 91 m and weighing 200 pounds 91 kg Holden garnered attention from Allain Roy of CMG Sports a sports agent company Holden said this is when he d first ever thought about it I never figured I needed an agent 10 After his rookie season Holden earned a scholarship to the University of the Fraser Valley 11 and was invited to the Edmonton Oilers 2007 NHL training camp on an Amateur Tryout 12 Upon returning for his second season with the Bruins Holden was named captain of the team 13 while recording 22 goals and 38 assists for a total of 60 points On March 28 2008 Holden signed a three year entry level contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets thus concluding his major junior career 14 Professional edit Columbus Blue Jackets edit nbsp Holden during his tenure with the Springfield Falcons Upon signing his contract Holden joined the Columbus Blue Jackets then American Hockey League AHL affiliate the Syracuse Crunch for the remainder of the 2007 08 season 14 He played one game with the team before beginning his first full professional campaign during the 2008 09 season 3 where he recorded 22 points in 61 games 15 Holden attended the Blue Jackets training camp prior to the 2009 10 season but was reassigned to the AHL on September 28 2009 16 He spent the entirety of the season with the Crunch and recorded a then career high 23 points in 68 games 15 Following the 2009 10 season the Blue Jackets switched their AHL affiliate to the Springfield Falcons and Holden began the season with them After playing in two games for the Falcons Holden was called up to the NHL as a replacement for the injured Mike Commodore 17 He made his NHL debut on October 20 2010 in a 3 1 victory over the Anaheim Ducks 18 and played in five games before being reassigned to the AHL on November 5 2010 19 Holden concluded the season with the Falcons and recorded a then career high 25 points in 67 games 15 On June 20 2011 Holden and the Blue Jackets agreed to a one year two way NHL American Hockey League Contract for the following season 20 With a new contract signed Holden attended the Blue Jackets training camp prior to the 2011 12 season 21 On October 1 2011 Holden was placed on waivers by the Blue Jackets for the purpose of assigning him to the AHL 22 and he thus started the 2011 12 season with the Springfield Falcons 23 Early in the season Holden suffered an ankle and shoulder injury which cut his campaign to only 25 games 24 He returned to the Falcons during the lock out shortened 2012 13 season after attending the Jackets training camp 25 He was named an alternate captain of the Falcons 26 and appeared in a brief two game return to the NHL with the Blue Jackets After recording 4 goals and 18 assists Holden was called up to the NHL level on February 4 2013 27 He finished the season with nine goals and 39 points in 73 games and was named the Falcons IOA American Specialty AHL Man of the Year 28 nbsp Holden during a game in 2013Colorado Avalanche edit On July 5 2013 Holden left the Blue Jackets organization and signed a two year contract as a free agent with the Colorado Avalanche 29 After partaking and impressing in his first Avalanche training camp Holden was unexpectedly successful in making the team s opening night roster for the 2013 14 season 30 Holden sat as a healthy scratch in the first 11 games of the season before making his Avalanche debut as a forward in a 3 2 overtime victory over the Dallas Stars on November 1 2013 31 At the time of his debut he was the only player on the roster to not play in a regular season game during the 2013 14 season 32 In returning to his natural position of defence Holden scored his first career NHL goal a game winner against Braden Holtby in a 4 1 victory over the Washington Capitals on November 10 2013 33 As the season progressed Holden solidified his position within the Avalanche blueline and on January 18 in a game against the Nashville Predators he set a career high in scoring two goals and three points whilst also recording an all time team record of nine hits for a defenceman His three points and nine hits were last matched by Jiri Slegr of the Atlanta Thrashers in 2001 34 Holden finished the season second amongst Avalanche defencemen with ten goals in only 54 games 35 He also led all Avalanche defenceman with three goals and four points in their Western Conference Quarter final series defeat in the 2014 Stanley Cup playoffs against the Minnesota Wild 36 Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations Joe Sakic spoke highly of Holden s play saying He provided offense from our blue line and played with a lot of confidence as the season moved on We are pleased that he will continue to be a part of our team 37 Holden was rewarded from his break out season in signing a three year contract extension on July 1 2014 38 Holden began the 2014 15 season with the Avalanche and played in his 100th career NHL game 39 Numerously throughout the season Holden was called upon to serve at the Avalanche s fourth line forward with teammates Marc Andre Cliche and winger Cody McLeod 40 He also sat as a healthy scratch during the 2014 15 campaign including four consecutive games in December 41 In spite of this Holden remained a mainstay in the Avalanche s lineup and once again made their opening night roster 42 New York Rangers and Boston Bruins edit On June 25 2016 with two years remaining on his contract Holden was traded by the Avalanche at the 2016 NHL Entry Draft to the New York Rangers in exchange for a 4th round pick in 2017 43 In the 2016 17 season Holden enjoyed a successful year with the Rangers in establishing new career highs with 11 goals and 34 points in 80 games 44 He often played on the right side for the Rangers due to their depleted defense and spent time on both the second and first top pairings with Marc Staal and Ryan McDonagh 45 He played in nearly all games for the Rangers in the postseason only sitting as a healthy scratch during Game 3 against Montreal 44 Fellow defenseman Brady Skjei spoke highly of Holden as a teammate saying He s a steady player and has a good shot from the point obviously He makes the simple play he s strong big skates well He s a nice guy not a rah rah guy in the room but everyone respects him 46 In spite of this his future with the Rangers was tenuous and coach Alain Vigneault acknowledged Holden was not guaranteed a spot on the roster in the 2017 18 season 47 Accurately so Holden played only 55 games for the Rangers while in the final year of his contract before being traded to the Boston Bruins in exchange for Rob O Gara and a 2018 third round draft pick 48 Holden who was familiar with Massachusetts having played for the Springfield Falcons left his wife and children in New York as he joined the team in Toronto 49 He appeared in 18 games with the Bruins to close out the season with one goal and five points In the post season Holden was relegated to a healthy scratch throughout the run appearing in just two games 50 Vegas Golden Knights edit With the Bruins unwilling to extend his contract Holden left to sign with his fifth NHL club the Vegas Golden Knights on a two year 4 4 million contract on July 1 2018 51 In his first season with the Golden Knights Holden was often paired with Shea Theodore or Zach Whitecloud on the blueline 52 On February 28 2020 Holden assisted on a goal with Nicolas Roy and Nick Cousins making them the first trio of Nicks to combine on a goal 53 At the 2020 NHL Trade Deadline Vegas rewarded Holden s play with a two year 3 4 million contract extension preventing him from becoming an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2019 20 season 54 Holden spent most of the 2020 21 season on Vegas Taxi Squad designed to hold players on the NHL roster without having their cap hit Something Vegas desperately needed Holden participated in his most successful postseason yet netting two goals and five assists in 15 games before being sent home at the hands of the Montreal Canadiens in the third round Ottawa Senators edit On July 28 2021 Holden was traded to the Ottawa Senators alongside a 2022 3rd round pick in exchange for Evgenii Dadonov 55 He played in 30 games with the Senators registering one goal and four points On January 27 2022 the Senators signed Holden to a one year 1 3 million contract extension 56 In his second season with the club he played in 65 games scoring two goals and sixteen points At the end of the season he was informed that he would not be re signed by the Senators 57 Retirement edit On September 12 2023 the Vegas Golden Knights announced that Holden had joined their player development staff retiring from play in the process 58 Personal life editHolden and his wife Angela have four children together 59 and are devout Christians He participates in a chapter of Fellowship of Christian Athletes alongside former teammate Ryan Carpenter 60 On September 7 2011 Holden was inducted into the St Albert Skating Wall of Fame 61 During the 2016 Fort McMurray wildfire Holden worked with Sport Central a sports charity to donate hockey equipment to children of Fort McMurray who lost theirs 62 He also purchased and donated tickets for military organizations during the Avalanche s 2015 Military Appreciation Night 63 Career statistics editRegular season and playoffs edit Regular season PlayoffsSeason Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM2003 04 St Albert Steel 18U AA REMHL 34 9 15 24 70 2003 04 St Albert Raiders AAA AMHL 2 0 0 0 0 2004 05 St Albert Raiders AAA AMHL 35 7 15 22 24 2004 05 Camrose Kodiaks AJHL 4 0 0 0 0 2005 06 Camrose Kodiaks AJHL 29 5 8 13 27 2005 06 Sherwood Park Crusaders AJHL 28 2 15 17 19 2006 07 Chilliwack Bruins WHL 67 8 23 31 62 5 1 1 2 62007 08 Chilliwack Bruins WHL 70 22 38 60 54 4 1 3 4 02007 08 Syracuse Crunch AHL 1 0 0 0 2 2008 09 Syracuse Crunch AHL 61 4 18 22 46 2009 10 Syracuse Crunch AHL 68 6 17 23 52 2010 11 Springfield Falcons AHL 67 4 21 25 63 2010 11 Columbus Blue Jackets NHL 5 0 0 0 0 2011 12 Springfield Falcons AHL 25 3 6 9 14 2012 13 Springfield Falcons AHL 73 9 30 39 58 8 0 3 3 62012 13 Columbus Blue Jackets NHL 2 0 0 0 0 2013 14 Colorado Avalanche NHL 54 10 15 25 22 7 3 1 4 82014 15 Colorado Avalanche NHL 78 5 9 14 28 2015 16 Colorado Avalanche NHL 82 6 16 22 24 2016 17 New York Rangers NHL 80 11 23 34 35 11 2 2 4 42017 18 New York Rangers NHL 55 3 9 12 14 2017 18 Boston Bruins NHL 18 1 4 5 0 2 0 1 1 02018 19 Vegas Golden Knights NHL 61 3 12 15 14 1 0 0 0 22019 20 Vegas Golden Knights NHL 61 6 8 14 13 19 0 1 1 42020 21 Vegas Golden Knights NHL 17 0 2 2 2 15 2 5 7 02021 22 Ottawa Senators NHL 76 5 14 19 12 2022 23 Ottawa Senators NHL 65 2 14 16 10 NHL totals 654 52 126 178 174 55 7 10 17 18Medal recordRepresenting nbsp CanadaIce hockeyWorld Championship nbsp 2022 FinlandInternational edit Year Team Event Result GP G A Pts PIM2022 Canada WC nbsp 10 0 2 2 4Senior totals 10 0 2 2 4Awards and honours editAward Year RefAHLFalcons IOA American Specialty AHL Man of the Year 2013 28 References edit a b c Nick Holden PDF nhl bamcontent com National Hockey League Retrieved March 16 2020 a b c Weber Marc November 30 2007 The Search Began In Alberta Snowstorm The Province Retrieved May 10 2020 via Newspapers com a b c Mitchell Laura Neenan John February 5 2009 Rookie blueliners find common ground in Syracuse theahl com Retrieved March 17 2020 a b Chambers Mike February 2 2014 Avalanche defenseman Nick Holden wasn t in a rush to play in the NHL Denver Post Retrieved March 17 2020 Flashback Friday Nick Holden ajhl ca Alberta Junior Hockey League August 11 2017 Retrieved March 16 2020 Where are they now Nick Holden ajhl ca July 12 2018 Retrieved May 10 2020 Alumni of The Week ajhl ca Alberta Junior Hockey League November 11 2015 Retrieved March 16 2020 Kramer Lindsay April 2 2008 New defenseman raw but ready Syracuse Post Standard Syracuse via NewspaperArchive nbsp Gotz Ben January 22 2019 Golden Knights mailbag Nick Holden on juggling plumbing Las Vegas Review Journal Retrieved March 17 2020 Weber Marc January 17 2008 Late bloomers in demand The Province Retrieved March 17 2020 2006 07 WHL Scholarship Recipients Announced whl ca Western Hockey League February 1 2007 Retrieved March 17 2020 Oilers Rookie Camp who s who nhl com National Hockey League 2007 Archived from the original on March 17 2020 Retrieved March 17 2020 Welsh Eric J September 21 2007 Holden Named Bruins Captain The Chilliwack Progress Retrieved May 10 2020 via Newspapers com a b Holden signs contract whl ca Western Hockey League March 28 2008 Retrieved March 17 2020 a b c Nick Holden eliteprospects com Elite Prospects Retrieved May 19 2020 Crunch Announce Roster Moves oursportscentral com Our Sports Central September 28 2009 Retrieved May 19 2020 Falcons Nick Holden promoted to Columbus Blue Jackets masslive com Masslive October 20 2010 Retrieved May 10 2020 Hansen Jeff March 28 2015 Holden flashes NHL form St Albert Today Retrieved May 10 2020 Columbus Blue Jackets Activate Defenseman Mike Commodore Off Injured Reserve Assign Defenseman Nick Holden to American Hockey League s Springfield Falcons nhl com National Hockey League November 5 2010 Retrieved March 17 2020 Columbus Blue Jackets Sign Defenseman Nick Holden to one year two way NHL American Hockey League Contract nhl com National Hockey League June 20 2011 Retrieved May 19 2020 Columbus Blue Jackets 2011 Training Camp Roster PDF nhl com National Hockey League 2011 Retrieved May 19 2020 Blue Jackets Make Roster Moves nhl com National Hockey League October 1 2011 Retrieved May 19 2020 Opening rosters announced theahl com American Hockey League October 12 2012 Retrieved May 19 2020 Brown Gary October 2 2012 Springfield Falcons preseason is officially upon us masslive com Retrieved March 17 2020 Falcons get five more from Columbus theahl com American Hockey League September 15 2012 Retrieved March 17 2020 Levine Eric December 4 2012 Falcons give back theahl com Retrieved March 17 2020 Nick Holden of Springfield Falcons called up by Columbus Blue Jackets masslive com February 4 2013 Retrieved March 17 2020 a b Holden Named Springfield s IOA American Specialty AHL Man of the Year oursportscentral com April 11 2013 Retrieved March 17 2020 Avalanche announce signings Colorado Avalanche July 5 2013 Retrieved July 5 2013 Chambers Mike October 1 2013 Avalanche to play longshots Nate Guenin and Nick Holden in NHL openers The Denver Post Retrieved May 19 2020 Dater Adrian November 1 2013 Colorado Avalanche defeats Dallas Stars in OT improves to 11 1 Denver Post Retrieved May 15 2020 Knabenbauer Ron November 1 2013 Nick Holden Ready to Play Forward versus Stars nhl com National Hockey League Retrieved May 15 2020 Ward Scott November 12 2013 Hardwork positivity led to Holden s first score Colorado Avalanche Retrieved November 12 2013 Knabenbauer Ron January 19 2014 Holden Delivers Big Game As Avs Hold Off Predators nhl com National Hockey League Retrieved May 10 2020 Nick Holden showing undrafted doesn t always have to mean unwanted Denver Post October 4 2014 Retrieved October 4 2014 Hansen Jeff February 23 2016 Strong season for Holden St Albert Today Retrieved May 19 2020 Simmons Ryan August 20 2014 Nick Holden 2013 14 Season in Review nhl com National Hockey League Retrieved May 15 2020 Avalanche signs Nick Holden to extension Colorado Avalanche July 1 2014 Retrieved July 1 2014 Knabenbauer Ron January 12 2015 Power Play The Difference In Goaltending Duel nhl com National Hockey League Retrieved May 15 2020 Knabenbauer Ron December 29 2014 Holden To Play Forward Against Blues nhl com National Hockey League Boulding Ryan January 4 2015 Avalanche Tilt Vs Columbus Could Be Special nhl com National Hockey League Retrieved May 15 2020 Knabenbauer Ron October 8 2015 Plenty of Memories for Avs on Opening Night nhl com National Hockey League Retrieved May 15 2020 Rangers acquire defenseman Nick Holden New York Rangers June 25 2016 Retrieved June 25 2016 a b The season that Nick Holden had for the Rangers sny tv SportsNet New York May 26 2017 Retrieved March 17 2020 Brooks Larry February 20 2018 Rangers fire sale begins with Nick Holden New York Post Retrieved May 10 2020 Zipay Steve April 17 2017 Rangers Nick Holden Pavel Buchnevich can help on offense newsday com Newsday Retrieved May 10 2020 Marc Staal and Nick Holden know they are battling for spots sny tv SportsNet New York September 14 2017 Retrieved May 10 2020 Bruins acquire Nick Holden in trade with Rangers Boston Bruins February 2 2018 Retrieved February 2 2018 Russo Eric February 23 2018 Holden Ready for Whatever Role Comes His Way nhl com National Hockey League Retrieved May 15 2020 Joe Haggerty June 13 2018 A look at Bruins free agents Nick Holden nbcsports com NBC Sports Retrieved March 17 2020 Defenseman Nick Holden signed by Vegas Vegas Golden Knights July 1 2017 Retrieved July 1 2017 Gotz Ben April 30 2020 Golden Knights roster review Nick Holden Las Vegas Review Journal Retrieved May 10 2020 StatsBySTATS February 28 2020 The first goal for the GoldenKnights tonight was scored by Nicolas Roy with assists to Nick Cousins and Nick Holden It s the first time in NHL history three players with the first name Nick or a variation thereof have combined on a goal Tweet via Twitter Schoen David February 24 2020 Golden Knights sign Nick Holden to two year extension Las Vegas Review Journal Retrieved May 19 2020 Tidcombe Matt July 28 2021 Sens acquire Holden from Vegas NHL com Retrieved July 28 2021 Senators sign defenceman Nick Holden to a one year contract extension Ottawa Senators Retrieved January 27 2022 Sens Holden informed he won t be back next season TSN April 14 2023 Retrieved June 27 2023 Vegas Golden Knights Add Nick Holden to Player Development Staff Vegas Golden Knights September 12 2023 Retrieved September 12 2023 Holden retires after a 15 year professional career that included 654 NHL games Hill Adam September 21 2018 Vegas Born Golden Knight Nick Holden s wife delivers son Las Vegas Review Journal Retrieved September 27 2018 Hill Adam March 11 2019 Faith guides Knights Ryan Carpenter on and off the ice Las Vegas Review Journal Retrieved May 10 2020 Hensen Jeff September 7 2011 Holden skates into new season stalberttoday ca Retrieved March 17 2020 Heidenreich Phil June 17 2016 Sports charity scores huge donation for Fort McMurray thanks to iconic hockey equipment brand globalnews ca Retrieved March 16 2020 Military Appreciation Night Feb 22 at Pepsi Center nhl com January 23 2015 Retrieved March 16 2020 External links edit nbsp Wikimedia Commons has media related to Nick Holden Biographical information and career statistics from NHL com or Eliteprospects com or Hockey Reference com or The Internet Hockey Database Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Nick Holden amp oldid 1178273908, 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