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Don't Give Up on Alexander Holtz

Written By Neil Villapiano

It is safe to say that things have not gone as planned so far for 21-year-old Alexander Holtz. Since being drafted #7 overall in the 2020 NHL Draft, Holtz has struggled to adapt to the NHL game. In 28 regular season games, he has a stat line of 3 goals and 3 assists. He has struggled to not only stay in the lineup consistently but has struggled to live up to the expectations that everyone has of him as an elite scoring winger. Holtz as well as the New Jersey Devils know that time is running out for the Sweden-born player and the organization has made it clear that Holtz has to take that next step this season.


It's easy for most to assume that Holtz is a bust. Based on where he was drafted and the lack of production, it makes the case even stronger. However, I believe that the young forward still has a ton to offer and is poised for a breakout season ahead. Even with bringing back the likes of Jesper Bratt, and Timo Meier and the addition of Tyler Toffoli via trade, Holtz still has a major opportunity to crack the Devils roster and make a meaningful impact. Here are reasons why it's too early to give up on #10.


Holtz is Still Incredibly Young


This is probably the most obvious reason why Holtz deserves more of a chance. He is still only 21 years of age. There have been plenty of players in the past who took several years in the early going before they took off. You don't have to go any further than Jack Hughes as a good example.


In his rookie year, Hughes only produced just 7 goals and 21 points in 61 games. The following season, he scored just 11 goals and 31 points. In year 3, he netted 26 goals and 56 points. Before last season, many people labeled Hughes a bust. Fast forward to May of this year and he is now considered a bonafide superstar. He finished with an astounding 43 goals and 99 points at just 22 years of age. It was a breakout that was coming and nothing is saying that Holtz can't have a breakout of his own in Year 3.

No one, including myself, is saying that the Stockholm, Sweden native is going to have a Jack Hughes-like season in 2023-24. The point is that Hughes makes a point for Holtz in that you shouldn't give up on talented players at such an early age.


He Still Has an Elite Shot


Even though Holtz's numbers aren't good at all at the NHL level, he has shown consistent progression in the American Hockey League. With the Utica Comets, he has a total of 33 goals and 32 assists for 65 points. One thing that stands out about him is his elite shot. Holtz can shoot the puck from anywhere with confidence and over time it's gotten better and better. Take a look at his first NHL goal vs. the Philadelphia Flyers as an example of what he can be with consistency.

Even though there's very little to evaluate given the lack of games and consistent play from Holtz, it's clear that he has the capabilities to become a dominant scorer over time.


He Makes Our Top 9 Lethal


When you look at the projections for the Devils' Top Six, it's clear that it's set. With the likes of Hughes, Nico Hischier, Jesper Bratt, Meier, Toffoli, and Dawson Mercer already up there, it doesn't seem like there's a spot for Holtz to play on this team. I completely disagree with that. This is the perfect opportunity for Holtz to add scoring to the third line and make the Top Nine one of the best in the entire NHL. He'll have more favorable matchups that will allow him to create more opportunities offensively as well as take pressure off of him.


What also would be a really good idea is to have him play alongside veterans Erik Haula and Ondrej Palat. Both provide leadership and the ability to set up a scorer like Holtz. Haula is known to be a great faceoff guy while Palat is one of the most clutch players in the NHL. They both can guide The young forward to being in the right position to succeed. While Holtz is not fast like the good majority of guys on the team, he can still be a finisher and provide even more scoring depth.


Only training camp will tell if Holtz is truly ready to take that next step into becoming a full-time NHL player. The one certain thing is that Holtz still has a lot left to prove. He still has a ton of skill and with the right situation, can blossom into the player we know he can be.



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