Marc Bergevin continued to be active in signing some depth players in free agency, inking forward Bud Holloway to a one year, two-way contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Holloway, originally a 3rd round draft pick of the Kings in 2006, has spent the last several seasons overseas after his entry level contract with LA expired. He spent three years in Sweden before moving to Switzerland with SC Bern last year.
His time in the Swedish League was highlighted by his 2012-13 campaign with Skelleftea. Not only did he lead his team in scoring, he led the entire league with 71 points, 11 ahead of second place Carl Soderberg (yes, the same Carl Soderberg who signed a five year deal in Colorado last week).
In the Swiss League, he finished third on Bern’s team in scoring, behind long-time national player Martin Pluss and former NHL’er Byron Ritchie. Holloway recorded 13 goals and 24 assists in 42 games while picking up four goals and four assists in eleven postseason contests (to lead the team).
Holloway had one year left on his deal in Switzerland but the contract had an NHL out clause and he indicated back in April that he was looking to return to North America now that he was finally eligibile for unrestricted free agency. It was speculated at the time that several NHL teams would be interested in his services.
Holloway has to clear waivers to suit up for St. John’s next season. If he makes it down there, he’ll instantly become one of their better scoring threats; he had 61 points in his last AHL campaign back in 2010-11.
The deal now gives the Habs 41 signed players, not including any of the current restricted free agents.
Holloway’s Stats:
