Detroit Red Wings
Red Wings Place Holl on Waivers, But It’s Not to Keep Marco Kasper

Reports say the Detroit Red Wings have placed right-shot defenseman Justin Holl on waivers today. His $3.4 million contract for the next two seasons means he is unlikely to be claimed.
Other Red Wings on waivers include Sheldon Dries, William Lagesson, Joe Snively and Brogan Rafferty
That will leave Detroit with seven defensemen, opening the door for the Red Wings to carry a 13th forward. It won’t be rookie Marco Kasper. He was assigned back to the Grand Rapids Griffins. Also going to the AHL Griffins were Nate Danielson, Carter Mazur, Elmer Soderblom and other prospects.
Justin Holl has been placed on waivers by the #redwings.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) October 6, 2024
The Red Wings are sending their most recent top draft pick, forward Michael Brandsegg-Nygard (15th, 2024) back to Europe to play for Skelleftea in the Swedish Hockey League.
Unless GM Steve Yzerman is about to make a trade, or claim someone off waivers, the likely 13th forward is tough guy Austin Watson. He’s in Detroit’s camp on a tryout and is still listed on the roster.
Although there was no media availability Sunday, we can assume the Red Wings decided it was more beneficial for Kasper to play on Grand Rapids’ top line rather than fight for minutes in Detroit.
Kasper Enjoying Solid Preseason
The Red Wings drafted Kasper eighth overall in 2022, and he played all of last season for the Grand Rapids Griffins. He registered 14 goals and 31 points in 74 games. Kasper added seven more points in nine playoff games.
Detroit coach Derek Lalonde said he didn’t understand why there was so much emphasis on making the team before opening day. He projects that 32 different players will play for the Red Wings, and he sees all of those players as making the team.
At the time, the media was speculating that Marco Kasper, playing well in the preseason, might make the team. Lalonde’s between-the-lines message might have been that Kasper could be, or likely be, among those 32.
Short on Right-Shot D
Holl, 32, will play for the Griffins, unless he is claimed on waivers, or a team works out a trade for him. The Red Wings likely would have to retain salary to trade him. If Holl is in Grand Rapids, and the Red Wings run into injury problems, they can recall Holl.
With Holl leaving, the Red Wings’ seven defensemen are Moritz Seider, Ben Chiarot, Jeff Petry, Simon Edvinsson, Erik Gustafsson, Olli Maatta and Albert Johansson. Only Seider and Petry are right shots, although Gustafsson is very comfortable playing on the right side.
If the Red Wings keep Watson, he will be a part-time player. They will be using him against the league’s most physical teams. The Red Wings clearly need the toughness against some bigger teams. But analytics are showing that Watson is a liability in five-on-five play. If they are keeping Watson, bottom-six forwards such as Jonatan Berggren, Christian Fischer, Tyler Motte or Joe Veleno are vulnerable to be healthy scratches from time to time. Or, Lalonde could bench a slumping player.