He took part in 48 games - eight with the Toronto Maple Leafs and 40 with the Arizona Coyotes - in 2016-17, amassing five goals and seven assists for 12 points, along with compiling a minus-16 differential.
"I didn't have the best season last year, obviously, so I'm just focusing on having a good summer of offseason training and coming into camp in the best shape possible and seeing what happens from there. I've played in the NHL the last three years, and that's where I'm hoping to stay," confided Holland, who accepted a two-year contract - the first year being two-way and the second being one.
During the course of his talks with the Habs' brass, Holland felt that he would be given a chance to help the organization, whether with the big club or in Laval.
"They just said they were looking for some skill and they thought that I could help bring that, and just add to and complement some of the players they already had there," said Holland. "I think they have a lot of great players in place already. [Tomas] Plekanec, [Max] Pacioretty, [Brendan] Gallagher, [Andrew] Shaw, [Carey] Price in net and Shea Weber, and also with them signing [Jonathan] Drouin. They obviously have a lot of great players and I'm just hoping that I can find a role within the team as well and just be a good complement to them."
A centerman, Holland believed that there might just be an opening for him in Montreal. But, that isn't the only reason that compelled him to sign with the Canadiens.
"Obviously, being an Original Six team, that adds some value as well. Having played with Toronto, I know about all the pressures that come with that. That's kind of exciting for me because there's no room for error. That's something that I want to be a part of," said Holland.
Holland also expressed excitement at being reunited his good friend Byron Froese, who also signed a deal with the Canadiens on Saturday.
"Actually, it was pretty exciting when I saw that because Byron and his wife have become very good friends of my girlfriend and I. He's a great two-way player and a good faceoff man. He's very good on the penalty kill. Great person, too. There are definitely some positive things with Byron Froese," mentioned the 26-year-old, who was selected in the first round, 15th overall by the Anaheim Ducks in 2009.
