New Jersey Devils forward Alexander Holtz is in the running to play for Team Sweden at the 2024 IIHF Men's World Championship.
New Jersey Devils forward Alexander Holtz is in the running to play for Team Sweden at the 2024 IIHF Men's World Championship.
Holtz just finished his first full season in the NHL. He played in all 82 games scoring 16 goals and 28 points. The former seventh-overall pick averaged just 11:38 of time-on-ice. The Devils' development plan for him was to learn how to play on the defensive side of the puck, limit turnovers and improve as a forechecker.
If he goes to play for Sweden, he won't have to worry too much about getting benched.
Sweden will play in pre-tournament games to determine who will be on the roster and will also wait until the conclusion of the first round of the playoffs before making their final roster official.
The 22-year-old could be playing in his first-ever World Championship. His track record with Sweden is very strong, representing his country at the U-17s, U-18s, the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and twice at the World Juniors.
If Holtz can make the roster he will be one of eight Devils players to be playing at the World Championships.
The young sniper would benefit greatly by making the team. Playing with skilled players in a tournament that promotes highly skilled players would allow Holtz to show his offensive game and gain confidence. If Travis Green stays as head coach or the Devils elect to go a different route, Holtz can use this opportunity as an audition for a larger role in the team next year.
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