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Nick Holden

Nick Holden is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman from St.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Nick Holden is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman from St. Albert, Alberta. He played 12 NHL seasons for six teams before retiring in 2023 and joining the Vegas Golden Knights’ player development staff.

Early life and junior hockey

Holden was born in St. Albert, Alberta, and played junior hockey in Alberta before moving to the Western Hockey League with the Chilliwack Bruins. He was not selected in the NHL Entry Draft.

NHL career

Holden made his NHL debut with the Columbus Blue Jackets and later played for the Colorado Avalanche, New York Rangers, Boston Bruins, Vegas Golden Knights and Ottawa Senators. He became an NHL regular after reaching the league in 2013 and went on to play 12 seasons, recording 654 regular-season games with 52 goals, 126 assists and 178 points.

Retirement and post-playing career

Holden announced his retirement in 2023 after a 15-year professional career. He joined the Vegas Golden Knights’ player development staff, focusing on defence prospects.

International play

Holden represented Canada at the 2022 IIHF World Championship. Canada won the silver medal in that tournament.

Key facts

  • Undrafted player who developed into a long-time NHL defenceman.
  • Played for the Columbus Blue Jackets, Colorado Avalanche, New York Rangers, Boston Bruins, Vegas Golden Knights and Ottawa Senators.
  • Recorded 654 regular-season NHL games, 52 goals, 126 assists and 178 points.
  • Won a silver medal with Canada at the 2022 World Championship.
  • Retired in 2023 and joined the Golden Knights’ player development staff.
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Canadian context

Holden is from St. Albert, Alberta, and represented Canada internationally at the 2022 World Championship, where he won a silver medal.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Nick Holden?
Nick Holden is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman who played 12 seasons in the NHL before retiring in 2023.
Which teams did Nick Holden play for?
He played for the Columbus Blue Jackets, Colorado Avalanche, New York Rangers, Boston Bruins, Vegas Golden Knights and Ottawa Senators.
Was Nick Holden drafted into the NHL?
No. Holden entered the NHL as an undrafted player.
Where is Nick Holden from?
He is from St. Albert, Alberta, Canada.
What did Nick Holden do after retiring?
He joined the Vegas Golden Knights’ player development staff, working with prospects on defence.

References

  1. NHL — https://www.nhl.com/player/nick-holden-8474207
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, position, shooting hand, undrafted status, NHL teams, career path
  2. Vegas Golden Knights / NHL.com — https://www.nhl.com/goldenknights/news/nick-holden
    Supports: Retirement, player development staff role, career games, Golden Knights tenure, Canada at 2022 World Championship
  3. CBS Sports — https://www.cbssports.com/nhl/players/1639719/nick-holden/
    Supports: Retirement announcement, career totals, playoff appearances
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nick_Holden
    Supports: Career span, teams, retirement timing
  5. NHLPA — https://www.nhlpa.com/player/3253/nick-holden/
    Supports: Height, weight, birthdate, birthplace, position, shoots