Holden began the 2014–15 season with the Avalanche and played in his 100th career NHL game. Numerously throughout the season, Holden was called upon to serve at the Avalanche's fourth line forward with teammates Marc-André Cliche and winger Cody McLeod. He also sat as a healthy scratch during the 2014–15 campaign, including four consecutive games in December. In spite of this, Holden remained a mainstay in the Avalanche's lineup and once again made their opening night roster. On June 25, 2016, with two years remaining on his contract, Holden was traded by the Avalanche at the 2016 NHL Entry Draft to the New York Rangers in exchange for a 4th-round pick in 2017.