It’s been a week since the New Jersey Devils opened training camp. Entering this year the vibes are as high as they’ve ever been, coming off the back of a 112-point season. The expectations have never been higher for this group and early returns from training camp and preseason have been positive. Here is what’s been happening at camp and through the first two preseason games.<\/p>\n
Last season went about as badly as possible for Alexander Holtz<\/a>. He never found footing in the Devils’ lineup, and management waited too long before sending him down. However, he has been given a huge opportunity to open camp, being paired with Timo Meier<\/a> and Nico Hischier<\/a> on the first line. The feedback out of camp has been all positive for Holtz. He reportedly spent his offseason with Jesper Bratt’s skating coach and it has shown in the early portion of camp.<\/p>\n Holtz looks much leaner than in years past, just watching him on the ice right now. And that's making his skating noticeably faster. <\/p>\n He worked a ton last year with #NJDevils<\/a> skating coaches to improve his stride. <\/p>\n Day 1, you can tell it's different.<\/p>\n — Amanda Stein (@amandacstein) September 21, 2023<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n