Nick Holden, a Canadian professional ice hockey defenseman, embarked on his NHL journey after going undrafted. Born on May 15, 1987, in St. Albert, Alberta, Holden began his professional career by signing with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2008. He spent several years honing his skills in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Syracuse Crunch and the Springfield Falcons, the Blue Jackets' affiliates at the time.
Holden's NHL debut came during the 2010-2011 season with the Columbus Blue Jackets. However, it wasn't until the 2013-2014 season, after signing with the Colorado Avalanche, that he became a regular in the NHL. During his time with the Avalanche, Holden demonstrated his ability to contribute both defensively and offensively. In the 2013-2014 season, he played 54 games and recorded 10 goals and 15 assists, showcasing his knack for joining the rush and contributing to the team's scoring efforts.
After three seasons with Colorado, Holden was traded to the New York Rangers in June 2016. His tenure with the Rangers saw him continue to be a reliable presence on the blue line. In the 2016-2017 season, he played all 82 games and achieved a career-high 34 points, including 11 goals and 23 assists. His performance helped the Rangers reach the playoffs, where they advanced to the second round.
In February 2018, Holden was traded to the Boston Bruins, where he played the remainder of the season. That summer, he signed a two-year contract with the Vegas Golden Knights. During his time with Vegas, Holden was part of a team that consistently performed well in the regular season and made deep playoff runs. His experience and steady play were valuable assets to the Golden Knights' defensive corps.
In July 2021, Holden was traded to the Ottawa Senators. He brought veteran leadership to a young Senators team and continued to be a steady presence on the ice. Throughout his career, Holden was known for his ability to play a physical game while also contributing offensively when needed. His journey through various teams in the NHL highlighted his adaptability and reliability as a defenseman.
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