Top 3 New Jersey Devils players who surprised us in 2023-24
Alexander Holtz showed depth-scoring potential
It’s not often that you see someone who recorded just 28 points in 82 contests stand out, but Alexander Holtz’s play was rather inspiring. He saw just 11:38 of average total ice time this season, but for someone who recorded fourth-line minutes, Holtz’s 16 goals and three game-winners indicate he may have the future of a depth scorer.
Holtz is still just 22, and he has another year remaining on his entry-level deal. But it won’t surprise anyone if he sticks around Newark, especially if he parlays those numbers into something more next season.
He’s also shown to be a serviceable fixture on New Jersey’s power play both in his limited time in 2022-23 and this past season, when he recorded over 103 minutes of ice time at 5-on-4.
His overall possession quality at even strength still needs to improve - it sat at minus-6.0 this season, and he was on the ice at even strength for 6.4 more goals allowed than his xGA of 35.6, but that number should get better in time.
Overall, you’re looking at a forward who can provide power play insurance at the absolute least, plus a player who can more than add some much-needed depth scoring to the mix.
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(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference)