New Jersey Devils 2020 First Round Mock Draft

7th Overall

Name: Alexander Holtz

DOB: January 23, 2002

Height: 6’0

Position: Right Wing

Shoots: Right

NHL Central Scouting Rank: 2nd (European Skaters)

When putting this piece together, it was between Alexander Holtz or Jamie Drysdale for who the New Jersey Devils could select seventh overall. Since Drysdale will most likely get picked off before the seventh pick, Holtz appears to be the most realistic option. As a right wing, the 18-year-old Swedish prospect fills a glaring need the New Jersey Devils have in that position for organizational depth. In his first full season with the SHL’s Djurgardens IF, Holtz had nine goals and 16 points in 35 contests. He played well for Team Sweden in the 2020 WJC U-20, tallying three goals and five points in seven games, while collecting nine points in 17 games at the international U-20 in 2019-2020.

The most common denominators among the reports and analyses of Holtz are his exceptional shot, along with being dubbed as a sniper and pure goal-scorer. In addition to his superb offensive skills, Holtz also plays a sound positional game with great on-ice vision, always seeming to have a firm grasp on what’s happening in his surroundings, and doesn’t shy away from taking initiative on starting or finishing plays. He’s very dexterous when handling the puck, with underappreciated passing and playmaking abilities. Overall, Holtz has been described as a speedy but above-average skater, although many scouts agree he could use a little more pep in his step, in terms of acceleration.