On Alexander Holtz' monster season in the AHL

His production in 2021-22 stacks up favorably to many who are now high-end NHL players.

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The Utica Comets’ season came to an end on Thursday night, as they were put out of the playoffs by the Rochester Americans.

Unlike the big club, there were an abundance of positives with the Baby Devils™ this year; none more so than the play of Alexander Holtz.

Perhaps aided by a cup of coffee last season, Holtz had little to no trouble adjusting in his first professional season in North America.

The 20-year-old sniper netted 26 goals while producing at a ~point per game clip over 52 games.

Holtz also made nine appearances in the NHL, picking up just a pair of assists while looking overwhelmed at times. I think his NHL play sort of put a damper on what he accomplished at the AHL level, which was extremely encouraging.

Let’s take a look at some of the highlights among U21 players:

• Holtz led the group with 3.21 shots per game. We all know how lethal his shot is so it’s a very good sign he could generate opportunities at such a high rate. He maximized his best skill.

• Holtz finished in a tie for 6th with 42 primary points. Two of the players ahead of him are a season further along in their development path while three of them fell behind Holtz in primary points per game.

• Only three players scored more goals than Holtz did; and all three of them appeared in at least 11 more games.

• While a very dangerous weapon on the power play, it wasn’t as if Holtz could only produce with extra time and space to work with. He finished 3rd among U21s in goals, points, and primary points at 5v5.

• Holtz is obviously more of a finisher than a playmaker. I’ve always maintained he’s a plus in-zone passer, though, and his assist numbers are promising. Only three D+2 players registered more primary assists. Holtz actually finished in a tie with Marco Rossi.

Okay, okay, you get it. Holtz was a top-tier producer in his age group in terms of goals, primary points, etc.

We’ll zoom out, though. How does Holtz’ production compare to other top U21 players – some even in D+3 seasons – dating back a handful of years?

Let’s find out!