Alex Holtz needs a long leash in New Jersey Devils' top-6

Alex Chauvancy argues Holtz deserves a real opportunity to succeed in somewhat of a make or break year.

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By Alex Chauvancy (@AlexC_THW)

There's no question the 2023-24 season is a big one for Alexander Holtz. Make-or-break might be a stretch since he's still waivers exempt, but the former seventh-overall pick does need to show something in the NHL.

Holtz played in 19 games with the New Jersey Devils this past season, but he only totalled three goals and an assist while averaging 10:16 in ice time. Part of it falls on the player obviously, but for him to have a chance to break out in the NHL, head coach Lindy Ruff will have to give him leeway with some of the Devils' top players. Otherwise, it'll be much of the same. 

There are probably multiple reasons for the Devils not giving Holtz regular ice time in the NHL yet. One may be his skating, although he has gotten quicker since getting drafted in 2020. I don't think it's as much of an issue as it once was. He might not ever be a burner but it did look like he could keep up with the team's pace last season. 

The other area of concern the Devils may have with Holtz is his two-way game. That's probably semi-reasonable since it was never one of his strengths as a draft-eligible prospect. But when looking at his 2022-23 season, his defensive impacts were actually better than his offensive ones: