Alex Holtz is projected to play on the team's second line alongside Tyler Toffoli and Dawson Mercer.
Alex Holtz is projected to play on the team's second line alongside Tyler Toffoli and Dawson Mercer.
At the team's Nov. 13 practice, New Jersey Devils head coach Lindy Ruff debuted several changes to his lineup. One of them was Alexander Holtz, playing on the team's second line with Dawson Mercer and Tyler Toffoli.
Ahead of the Devils game versus the Winnipeg Jets, Holtz spoke to attending media members about what he hopes to bring to his new line.
"I want to bring a lot of creativity out there," he said. "We are three really offensively gifted players, so yeah, produce a lot of offense and hopefully bury some goals."
The young Swede has five points (three goals, two assists) in 13 games. All three of his goals were scored at five-on-five, which is an area the team needs to improve. New Jersey has scored 27 even-strength goals, the sixth-fewest in the league. They will need to generate offense against the Jets, and adding Holtz to the top six should help accomplish that.
Devils' reporter Catherine Bogart spoke with Ruff Tuesday afternoon and asked what he wants from that new-look second line.
"I think what you're looking for is good two-way play," Ruff said. "Obviously (there is) good offensive talent on the line, but (they need to) play good in all three zones."
For most, Holtz will be the player to watch tonight, as he will finally crack the team's top six. While goals and assists will be the first thing to catch one's attention, the focus should be on Holtz's neutral and defensive zone play.
The 21-year-old recently shared what his head coach wants him to work on.
"He wants me to play hard. That's the main thing," Holtz said. "Battle hard, winning 50-50 battles."
I previously spoke with former Devils forward Cam Janssen. During that interview, he emphasized how vital wall play is and being responsible in your defensive zone, echoing what Ruff told Holtz.
"The first thing that you have to do is be disciplined in your own zone," Janssen said. "You have to get the puck out. If you don't know how to get the puck out of the zone, you are never going to play."
In addition to seeing what creativity Holtz can bring in his new role, there should be a focus on the little areas of his game, like his battles along the walls and his play in the defensive zone, as Ruff already said he will be looking at the line's full 200-foot game.
Puck drop between the Devils and Jets is 8:00 P.M.