1st rounder attempts NHL comeback after 5 years away and retirement announcement!

This was unexpected news on Tuesday when the Colorado Avalanche announced that it is giving a shot to a former first round pick.

Peter Holland, who was once a first round pick way back in 2009 by the Anaheim Ducks, will be headed to training camp with the Avalanche on a professional tryout contract (PTO).

What’s surprising about Holland attempting a comeback in the NHL is that he technically retired in 2022 and hasn’t played in the league since 2018.

Holland is now 32 years old did not play anywhere professionally last season. He last played for Djurgardens IF in the Swedish Hockey League in 2021-22, only dressing for 15 games and recording just six assists.

Playing for the New York Rangers last, he then went on to their farm club in the AHL before heading overseas to the KHL.

His two seasons with Yekaterinburg Automobilist were productive before he moved on to Sweden.
In his NHL career, Holland played for the Ducks, Toronto Maple Leafs, Arizona Coyotes and Rangers and could now bring additional depth up front in Colorado.

Holland’s best season came in 2015-16 when he scored 27 points in 65 games, and I don’t believe anyone is expecting to put up similar numbers in his comeback attempt for the Avalanche.

It will be fun to follow Holland’s journey and if he can crack the Avalanche’s roster for 2023-24.

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