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New Jersey Devils: Alexander Holtz’s Journey to Season Opening Roster

By Luke Garrison |
Sep 30, 2022; Newark, New Jersey, USA; New York Rangers goaltender Jaroslav Halak (41) makes a save while New Jersey Devils right wing Alexander Holtz (10) looks for the rebound during the second period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 30, 2022; Newark, New Jersey, USA; New York Rangers goaltender Jaroslav Halak (41) makes a save while New Jersey Devils right wing Alexander Holtz (10) looks for the rebound during the second period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

The New Jersey Devils announced their 2022-23 starting roster on Monday afternoon. Most of the roster was pretty much set before training camp started. However, there is one player who made it on that roster which is exciting and unsurprising at the same time.

Alexander Holtz has been trying to get onto the Devils’ roster since he got drafted. Though he made his rookie debut last year, he only played nine games, getting only two assists. Now he’s on the main roster this year, and many are hopeful he can make an impact. He even scored in his first game!

So how did he make the roster, and what can we expect from him?

Holtz Shines in the Scrimmages and Prospects Challenge and Preseason

Holtz was part of the Devils’ roster in the Prospects Challenge in September. In the first game against Montreal, he scored two goals to lead to a Devils victory. While Holtz may not have done much else during that stretch of games, he played well enough to get onto the Devils’ preseason roster. During the five preseason games he played, Holtz made a presence with his skill.

Holtz skated well, especially on a line with Jack Hughes and newly acquired Devil Ondrej Palat. They played so well together during the scrimmage games the fanbase made the line combination known as the H2O line. That specific line helped him showcase how his role can get fulfilled as a Devils player.

He scored three points, two assists, and one goal in the preseason. His only preseason goal came in the final game against the Bruins. Thanks to the speed of Jack Hughes, Linus Ullmark couldn’t see Holtz’s shot go into the net due to saving Hughes’ attempt. Holtz certainly had a lot of skill, but what can he offer in an 82-game season?

How Can Holtz Benefit from Being on the Opening Roster?

Holtz has a lot of ways to showcase he can play well. Considering the nine games he played in the regular season last year were just a sample size, there is likely a chance he will break out this year.

There are a few components to focus on with Holtz. Holtz’s passing abilities have improved. In the preseason games, his passing was outstanding. Having someone like Jack Hughes on your line can help you figure out how to improve. The next thing to focus on is his ability to get into a position to shoot the puck. The idea of Holtz having more chances to shoot the puck is something we hope to see he can do throughout the year. He may not be Alex Ovechkin with speed, but the way Holtz gets into position to have a chance of a shot is fantastic.

The one thing that has remained consistent with him is his shot. Even in the draft, the one essential thing everyone talked about was the way he shoots the puck. While it may not be clear whether his shot has changed or improved, one thing people can look forward to seeing him do is shooting the puck. The shot can be very deadly if he can perfect it. Having a young player like Alexander Holtz on the team could be very useful, as it’s been a while since the team had a sniper.

He reminds me of an Ilya Kovalchuk-type player, but let’s hope they don’t go down that road again. Still, it’s an ecstatic opportunity for him to be on the opening roster, and let’s hope he can impress everyone in the franchise with what he can do.

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