Potential linemates for Alexander Holtz during preseason play
Alex Chauvancy looks at some of the best fits for Holtz as the New Jersey Devils test his readiness.
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By Alex Chauvancy (@AlexC_THW)
Based on this past weekend's Prospects Challenge in Buffalo, New York, it sure seems like Alexander Holtz made progress while training during the off-season.
He looked a step quicker than he was a season ago and made an impact in the first game against the Montreal Canadiens, scoring the game-tying and winning goals.
From the looks of it, Holtz will get a shot alongside some of the Devils' top skaters during the preseason. In the first practice group of training camp, he was alongside Ondrej Palát and Jack Hughes.
Though that's a combo that makes sense for Holtz, those will no doubt change over the next few days as camp ramps up and preseason games get underway.
With that in mind, let's look at some potential linemates for Holtz during preseason games. Because, if with the right fits, there's potential for him to make an impact for the 2022-23 Devils.
Palát, Hughes & Holtz
Between Hughes and Nico Hischier, the Devils are in a fortunate position of having two centers that should be good fits for Holtz. Hughes, however, may offer Holtz the best chance to deliver the goods this season. That is, being able to create scoring chances for Holtz to let his shot loose.
Though he was limited to 49 games last season due to injuries, Hughes broke out, totaling 56 points, which is a 94-point pace over 82 games. He's an elite skater who showed top-flight play-driving ability and will make his linemates better. For someone like Holtz, who's unlikely to become a play-driver in his prime, giving him a test run alongside Hughes in the preseason makes all the sense in the world.
And let's not forget about Palát, either. He's obviously not Hughes; but he's no slouch. He's averaged 20 goals and 55 points per 82 games over the last three seasons, and he has spent his career playing alongside Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov. He'll be able to keep up with Hughes and Holtz.
Palát can do a bit of everything, although his strength offensively is playmaking. He has a knack for creating in-zone offense and can generate chances off the rush, making him an ideal complementary winger for Holtz and Hughes.
Jesper Bratt, Hughes & Holtz
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