The Toronto Maple Leafs spent the last few days focusing on one of the best free-agent forwards in recent memory. On Tuesday, their attention turned to the back end with the signing of defenseman Justin Holl to a two-year contract, the team announced. The deal carries an annual average value of $675,000.

Holl made his NHL debut last season, playing two games for the Leafs and scoring a goal in each appearance.

The majority of Holl's 2017-18 campaign was spent with the Marlies, Toronto's AHL affiliate. He registered seven goals and 21 assists in 60 regular-season games. Holl also chipped in with three goals and two assists in 20 playoff games during the Marlies' championship run.

Holl played collegiately for the University of Minnesota Gophers, and he was selected by the Chicago Blackhawks in the second round of the 2010 NHL Draft. His deal with the Leafs is of the one-way variety, according to Sportsnet's Chris Johnston.

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