Washington Capitals Loan Justin Holl to Hershey Bears Despite Historic NHL Start
By Brian Hradsky | Maryland Sports Blog | October 18, 2026
The Washington Capitals announced Sunday that veteran defenseman Justin Holl has been loaned to the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League despite an impressive three-game stint with Washington. Holl scored two goals during his brief recall, making NHL history while providing the Capitals with valuable defensive depth. Senior vice president and general manager Chris Patrick confirmed the transaction, returning the 34-year-old defenseman to Hershey just six days after his promotion. The move comes as Washington continues managing its defensive personnel early in the 2026-27 season.
Holl Makes History During Brief Capitals Stint
Washington recalled Holl on October 12 after placing defenseman Matt Roy on injured reserve and Rasmus Sandin on long-term injured reserve. The veteran immediately made an impact, scoring in his Capitals debut against the Carolina Hurricanes on October 14 before adding another goal against the Montreal Canadiens on October 15. His offensive production was particularly impressive considering Holl has primarily built his NHL career around defensive positioning, physical play and reliable minutes. Although his stay lasted only three games, Holl accomplished something no other defenseman had achieved in Capitals franchise history.
Holl became the first defenseman in Washington history to score in each of his first two games with the organization. He also became the first defenseman in NHL history to score in his first two regular-season appearances with two different franchises, having previously accomplished the feat with the Toronto Maple Leafs during the 2017-18 season. The unusual achievement highlights Holl’s ability to contribute offensively despite spending most of his professional career in a defensive role. His two goals also brought his career NHL totals to 16 goals and 99 points through 408 games.
Why Washington Returned Holl to Hershey
The decision to return Holl to Hershey is notable because of his recent offensive production, but it does not necessarily reflect dissatisfaction with his performance. Washington originally recalled the defenseman to provide additional options while injuries affected its blue line, particularly with Roy and Sandin unavailable. Holl’s reassignment could indicate that the Capitals anticipate improved defensive depth ahead of their upcoming games, although the organization has not officially identified a corresponding roster activation. Roy’s potential availability for Tuesday’s matchup against the Los Angeles Kings is one possible explanation for the move.
Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery previously described Holl as an experienced, right-handed defenseman capable of moving the puck and stabilizing Washington’s defensive pairings. Carbery knows Holl from their time together in Toronto, where he served as an assistant coach during the veteran’s tenure with the Maple Leafs. That familiarity likely helped Holl transition into Washington’s system during his short recall, particularly with the Capitals managing several defensive injuries. His return to Hershey also keeps an experienced NHL option available within the organization should additional injuries or roster changes occur.
Hershey Receives Experienced Defensive Reinforcement
Holl’s return provides Hershey with a veteran defenseman who has played more than 400 NHL games across nine seasons. The 6-foot-4 blue liner previously appeared in three games with the Bears this season before receiving his October 12 recall, giving him familiarity with the team’s defensive structure. Although he did not record a point during those appearances, his experience should provide valuable stability for a Hershey team competing in the Atlantic Division. His size, defensive awareness and ability to play meaningful minutes make him an important depth option for the Bears.
Before joining Washington’s organization, Holl spent time with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Detroit Red Wings and St. Louis Blues. During the 2025-26 season, he recorded one goal and one assist in nine NHL appearances with St. Louis while also contributing two goals and 12 assists in 41 games with the Grand Rapids Griffins. Holl originally entered professional hockey after the Chicago Blackhawks selected him in the second round, 54th overall, of the 2010 NHL Draft. He also brings championship experience, having helped the Toronto Marlies capture the Calder Cup in 2018.
Holl has accumulated 82 points, including 22 goals and 60 assists, in 238 career AHL appearances entering this latest assignment. His professional experience includes stops with Rockford, Toronto, Grand Rapids and Hershey, making him familiar with the demands of the American Hockey League. The Bears are continuing a seven-game season-opening homestand at GIANT Center, including a Sunday afternoon matchup against the Providence Bruins. Whether Holl immediately enters the lineup will depend on the coaching staff’s decisions, but his arrival gives Hershey another established defensive option.
What the Move Means for Washington
For Washington, the transaction demonstrates the value of maintaining experienced defensive depth within its minor league affiliate. Holl proved during his brief recall that he can contribute at the NHL level, even after spending considerable time in the AHL last season. His ability to score twice in three appearances was an unexpected bonus for a player primarily valued for his defensive responsibilities. Keeping Holl available in Hershey gives the Capitals another option if injuries continue to affect their defensive rotation.
The Capitals will also need to monitor the health of Roy and Sandin as they determine their defensive combinations moving forward. Washington has already relied heavily on established defenders such as Jakob Chychrun and Martin Fehervary during the early portion of the season, making dependable depth particularly important. Holl’s performance suggests the organization can turn to him again without sacrificing significant NHL experience or familiarity with Carbery’s system. His latest assignment may prove temporary if Washington encounters another injury or needs additional defensive help.
MSB Take
Washington’s decision to loan Justin Holl back to Hershey is somewhat surprising considering the veteran defenseman’s impressive offensive production during his brief recall. Scoring twice in three games and establishing an NHL record should strengthen his case for additional opportunities with the Capitals, especially when defensive injuries remain a concern. However, roster decisions involve more than offensive statistics, and Washington must balance its available personnel with the long-term needs of the organization. Holl demonstrated that he remains capable of contributing at the NHL level, and his performance should not go unnoticed.
For Hershey, the move represents an immediate boost to a defensive group that can benefit from another experienced veteran. Holl’s size, physical presence and extensive professional background make him a valuable addition as the Bears continue their early-season schedule. Washington also benefits from having a dependable defenseman available for another recall if circumstances change. Considering his historic start with the Capitals, it would not be surprising to see Holl receive another NHL opportunity before the season concludes.
SEO recommendations
SEO title
Washington Capitals Loan Justin Holl to Hershey Bears After Historic Start
Meta description
Washington Capitals loan Justin Holl to the Hershey Bears after the veteran defenseman scores twice in three games and makes NHL history.
Primary sources: Washington Capitals official announcement and Hershey Bears official announcement.
