One thing is clear if you have watched the New Jersey Devils this season, they have an issue scoring goals. Not as bad as some other teams in the league, but ever since Jack Hughes went out of the lineup, this team has struggled. However, the Devils have a player in their system that can solve this problem. His name is Alexander Holtz. And the Devils have made it clear they are in need of his services as they recalled the forward from the AHL to meet them on their current road trip.
The Time Is Right For Alexander Holtz To Join The Devils
It was a shocker to see Holtz sent down prior to the regular season starting. Holtz did everything the team had asked of him. He had a great rookie tournament and preseason for the Devils. Along with Dawson Mercer, Holtz was one of the big standouts once the preseason concluded. In the three games Holtz played for the Devils, he recorded four points (two goals and two assists). So when the final roster was announced and Holtz was not on it, there was some explaining to do from general manager Tom Fitzgerald. Especially since the Devils were in need of a goal scorer.
Fitzgerald felt Holtz was more suited for the AHL as there was a logjam on the Devils main roster. Being down with the Utica Comets would allow Holtz to play in the top six and get the necessary ice time to develop properly, especially on the power play. However, through training camp, Holtz established himself as a top-six winger on the team. While Yegor Sharangovich and Janne Kuokkanen had good rookie seasons, Holtz was outperforming them in training camp. In addition, the Devils had other inconsistencies at the wing position. Those issues have been on display this season. Just look at the play of Pavel Zacha and Jesper Bratt. While both have played better recently, Holtz deserved a look over them as the season began.
Now with the Devils struggling to score especially with Hughes out of the lineup and not much production from their quote “top line,” the Devils are recalling their goal scorer. And since being in the AHL, Holtz has continued his stellar play. All he has done is score recording five goals in four games with Utica. And with the Devils special teams ranked at the bottom of the league, having a guy like Holtz that can shoot the puck will help their power play.
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What To Expect
If you look at Holtz’s history it is common for him to get off to a hot start. He is a goal scorer and they are streaky. But the Devils want this group to grow together. What better time to bring him up and give a taste of the NHL. We all know he may not stick for the whole season, but the Devils need a different look with the way the offence is struggling. Holtz can give them a much-needed spark. If he can continue his scoring ways, management will have to question their decision at the beginning of the season. But considering players like Bratt, Sharangovich, Kuokkanen, and others are not getting the job done, having Holtz may get a player like Nico Hischier going.
The Devils have not had a player like Alexander Holtz in their system in a long time. They have to take advantage when the iron is hot. When a young player is motivated to prove people wrong, that’s when they are at their best. Let’s see how the Devils decide to use him because for this call-up to work he cannot be playing third-line minutes. Holtz must play in the top six or else it is a waste.
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