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Toronto Maple Leafs Rumours: Who is Philip Holm?

By James Reeve

Apr 23, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock speaks to the media after their elimination at the hands of the Washington Capitals in game six of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. The Capitals beat the Maple Leafs 2-1 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 23, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock speaks to the media after their elimination at the hands of the Washington Capitals in game six of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. The Capitals beat the Maple Leafs 2-1 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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A report has emerged, suggesting the Toronto Maple Leafs are close to announcing the signing of Swedish defenceman Philip Holm.

While talking to TSN’s Darren Dreger on Dreger Café, Toronto Maple Leafs‘ head coach Mike Babcock suggested the team was close to confirming some signings of European players.

The one player consistently reported is Calle Rosen, a 23-year-old Swedish defenceman, but one new player has emerged in the past 24 hours.

Another Swedish defenceman, Philip Holm, is now reportedly close to joining the Leafs after making 197 regular season appearances in the Swedish Hockey League.

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Holm, 25, currently plays for Växjö Lakers, having joined them from Djurgårdens IF last summer.

In 52 regular season games for Växjö, Holm picked up four goals and 21 total points – helping the team make the playoffs.

One interesting thing to note about Holm is that he plays on the same team as the aforementioned Rosen. Rosen has also reportedly agreed a deal with the Leafs and the Swedish pair could both find themselves reunited if the speculation is to be believed.

The Leafs are in need of help on defence, with the likes of Roman Polak and Matt Hunwick expected to leave the team this summer.

Travis Dermott is expected to be given an opportunity to step up from the Marlies, but signing some European players that have plenty of experience playing in a pro league could be a smart move by the Leafs.

The free agent signing of Nikita Zaitsev last summer raised many questions, but his recent seven-year, $31.5 million contract proves there are plenty of good hockey players available outside of the NHL.

Holm is a pure defensive-minded defenceman, with 21 points being the highest regular season total of his career, and could potentially fill the role left by the recently injured Polak.

Rosen, the younger of the pair, has less experience in the SHL and could find himself initially starting with the Marlies to help him adjust to North American hockey.

While the reports that have surfaced are not confirmed, they are beginning to gain momentum and the Maple Leafs could make an announcement in the near future, likely after the World Championships.

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What do you think of the Toronto Maple Leafs targeting European free agents? Is it a smart move by the team? Who would you like to see them bring in? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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