[Stein] Looks like Alexander Holtz is going to be given every opportunity to make an impression at this Devils camp. This morning he’s lining up alongside Timo Meier and Nico Hischier.
Looks like Alexander Holtz is going to be given every opportunity to make an impression at this #NJDevils camp.
This morning he's lining up alongside Timo Meier and Nico Hischier.
— Amanda Stein (@amandacstein) September 21, 2023
by NJDNYJK
11 Comments
That would be an interesting set up. Hischier line was typically the best overall last season in my eyes, he was amazing at carrying the puck just over the line and then drawing defenders to him while dropping the puck for a wing flying into the zone. Holtz and Meier would be two serious threats compared to guys like Tatar and zetterlund.
Only second guess would be how much more pressure that puts on hischier defensively. Meier should be better this season, he looked a little less adept at defending last season compared to the rest of the team who knew the system. Holtz also has issues with that, so hopefully they work hard to develop chemistry as a unit. If holtz works out for 20+ goals on the top line and Mercer drops down to play with haula and palat, that creates a lot of strong balance in the top 9.
Reporters are also saying he’s noticeably [faster and has great edge work](https://x.com/jamesnicholsnhl/status/1704872694544503135?s=46)
So he’s going to be our “in the best shape of his life” hyped up guy
I like this. Timo can create a ton of space with his size. It’s up to Holtz to be able to skate and position himself to get that nasty shot of his off.
time to shape up or ship out!
HELL YEA FUKIN RIGHT
Time to put up or shut up kid
Holtz’ big thing was what he did (didn’t do) away from the puck. I hope for his sake he improved his overall hockey IQ and becomes more of a full player vs just O.
I’ll believe it when I see it. I root for Holtz but important to remember the Palat-Hughes-Holtz preseason hype from last year.
I will say, 96 and 13 are great partners for him on a line. They can handle most of the defensive responsibilities and puck carrying, allowing Holtz to focus on what he does best.
I’m not counting on it but if he can find a role in the top 6 it would be huge for the Devils, especially beyond 23-24 when things tighten up.
I think the most interesting thing about this season is going to be how they handle the young guys. Having to deal with actual expectations, they’re going to have to find a balance between giving kids a chance to succeed and dealing with inevitable mistakes.
I think a guy like Holtz needs a shot with players like Hughes and Nico, but that only works if they’re willing to deal with him doing rookie shit sometimes. Same thing with guys like Luke, Nemec, and even a guy like Clarke. They have so much upside, but you can’t be playing them 8-10 minutes a night and expect good results.
Everyone needs to remember he isn’t Jack Hughes he’s not Nico he’s not even Luke Hughes. Sometimes players take time to develop into NHL actual form. He has potential and was drafted because of that. He wasn’t drafted to come in years 1-3 and be expected to put up 30-50 goals in his first 3 seasons. I think the fan base overall have gotten the lines blurred drafting bonafide Stars vs non Stars and the expectations for Holtz were way too high to begin with. Mercer was more of a hidden steal at his draft position but on his own way to bonafide star quality. Just remember not everyone makes an impact years 1-2 even year 3.
I expect him to fully go after the opportunity to make the team and make an impact regardless of what that may be. I just don’t think it’s fair to Holtz if it’s still very early in his career and we turn on him.
I saw some footage of him doing edgework drills with Bratt and was surprised at how mobile he looked. Bratter must be rubbing off on him.