Holden thrilled to be playing in Canada again

For the first time since 2008, Alberta's Nick Holden will get to play in Canada.

The St. Albert native hasn't played for a Canadian team since his WHL days, when he captained the now defunct Chilliwack Bruins in 2008.
"My kids were all born in the U.S. and that was one of the things we talked about when we got traded here [was] being able to play in Canada [and] have the kids learn French in school," Holden said of his four sons, Parker, Carter, Noah and Ryer. "It's cool for them to experience that but also as parents to have our kids experience that."
Holden and his wife, Angela, are more than thrilled to call Canada home. After discussions with Vegas' staff, the 34-year-old knew there was a possibility he could be traded during the offseason but when he got the call and was told he was off to Ottawa, excitement kicked in immediately.
"Last year, seeing where the team finished the year and the young players they have here, things are going up and that's always fun to be a part of so it's fun to be part of that young energy," Holden said. "It will be a change for me. I've played on some older teams the last few years but definitely once I got here and started meeting everybody, [there's] lots of fun to be had."

A veteran of 513 NHL games, Holden has played in some big moments, none moreso than back-to-back trips to the Conference Finals with Vegas. Jim Hiller, who was an assistant alongside Sens head coach D.J. Smith in Toronto, had Holden in junior and made clear to Smith the kind of player the Senators were getting.
"He looks a lot bigger on the ice than he does maybe in person," Smith said. "He has way better edges. He's a big, smart, player that can do a bit of everything. He can defend, he can move pucks.
"[Jim] spoke highly about him and the kind of guy he is and how smart of a player he is and that's what I see out there."
From Holden's perspective, he understands he's not the guy people look at for offence, especially on a blue line group that includes Erik Brannstrom, Thomas Chabot and Victor Mete. But that doesn't mean he doesn't want to chip in when he can, as he's demonstrated with 45 goals and 143 points.
"I like getting pucks into our forwards hands and making sure I take care of our defensive end but at the same time, we spoke about it Thursday, they want the 'D' to be part of the offence and that's something I've been able to do throughout my career is add a little bit of offence," Holden said. "They may not look to me as an offensive player but you want to be able to contribute at both ends.
"I definitely make sure I take care of the defensive side first and put my big body into some guys and then jump up and join into the offence."