Christmas has come early, and it’s hockey season. Training camps have begun, and pre-season games have kicked off. Opening puck drop is only two weeks away, and all is right in the world. One team that is to watch for is the New Jersey Devils. The prospect pool is littered with talent and some of those names to watch for is Alexander Holtz. The youngster could make the opening night roster.
New Jersey Devils Alexander Holtz Competing For Roster Spot
With training camp beginning, Holtz has begun to turn heads. His play is going noticed by the staff as well as the fans. This could be the year he makes the big club. Head Coach Lindy Ruff had a lot of good things to say about the young gun so far.
“Jack is a tough guy to keep up with, so hoping that by throwing (Holtz) up there it’ll get his pace higher.”#NJDevils | @Genucel pic.twitter.com/Do3IrXWoDK
— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) September 25, 2022
Training Camp
If there is one player that has turned a few heads in training camp, it is New Jersey Devils forward Alexander Holtz. So far, with the team scrimmages, he has been on a line with star centre Jack Hughes and Ondrej Palat. This is perfect for Holtz as he can be the finisher, whereas Hughes can drive the offence and create scoring chances. Palat is strong on the boards and strong on pucks, which will allow the other to to get into open space. Holtz went on to score three goals in the two scrimmages. Also, in the prospect games against the Montreal Canadiens, he scored two goals.
“I liked the way they played. The Holtz, Hughes and Palat line had a good day.”
Hear from Lindy Ruff following today’s camp game. #NJDevils | @Genucel pic.twitter.com/u0vtnKP7X2
— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) September 24, 2022
What was noticeable about the play of Holtz, is his willingness to drive to the net. On one of his goals, Palat flipped a pass to the opposite circle, where Holtz sniped a shot past the goalie. It seems like his game has grown, which is a good sign for the New Jersey Devils.
The Road So Far
Holtz has not been up with the big club much. However, during the 2021-22 season, he suited up in nine games and had two assists. He went on to light it up with the AHL Utica Comets and had a strong year. Holtz was nearly a point-per-game player for the Comets, where he scored 26 goals, 25 assists, and 51 points in 52 games. Holtz plays with speed and has a wicked shot, especially the one-timer. There is a lot to be excited about with his game, and hoping he can build off a strong performance. In an interview with James Nichols from The Fourth Period, Holtz went on to say, “You need to play good at every level,” he added. “This week I’m gonna show I can play against this level, next week I want to show I can play at another level too.”
The sixth overall pick in 2020 is hungry, and his scoring ability would be welcomed by the Devils.
What Lies Ahead
New Jersey Devils forward Alexander Holtz is in for a big week. Pre-season is underway and roster spots are being competed for. Just for notes, Players like Thompson and Holtz can still be sent back and forth without clearing waivers. However, Holtz is indeed fighting for a spot, but after a strong training camp he has a strong case to make the team. With a strong showing in pre-season that begins tomorrow against the Montreal Canadiens, all signs point to him being with the Devils come opening night.
With an already young core in place, Holtz would he a lethal weapon in the lineup and bolster the top six unit. In addition, on a line with Hughes would be so much fun to watch. Buckle up Devils fans.
#NEWS: We have made the following transactions:
🟥 Assigned Alexander Holtz and Kevin Bahl to Utica (AHL)
⬛️ Recalled A.J. Greer and Colton White from Utica pic.twitter.com/AeYYYVWXE8— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) January 7, 2022
