In an exclusive Q&A with Kristy Flannery of The Hockey News, Alexander Holtz reflects on the start of his NHL career with the New Jersey Devils.
On March 24, at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, New Jersey Devils forward Alexander Holtz suited up for his 100th career NHL game.
Six minutes into the second period, rookie defenseman Simon Nemec passed the puck to Holtz, who shot it toward New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin.
"Score! Alexander Holtz, in his 100th career game, makes it 3-0."
The young Swede scored his 16th career NHL goal in his milestone game.
Holtz has been on quite the journey since the Devils selected him seventh overall in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. After the team's Saturday afternoon practice, Kristy Flannery of The Hockey News sat down with Holtz for an exclusive Q&A to reflect on the start of his NHL career.
The Hockey News: During this most recent road trip, you played your 100th career NHL game. Do you put a lot of stock in milestones like that, or is it just another game for you?
Holtz: For me personally, it is pretty big. Especially coming (from Sweden) when you talk to friends and family, it's a pretty cool milestone to reach. Yeah, I'm really happy for that.
THN: Are there any teammates you've had that impacted you through these first 100 games or really helped you?
Holtz: I would say a lot of guys helped me out. I've known (Jesper Bratt) for a while, and that makes it so much easier coming over here and stuff. I have been hanging around a lot with Nico (Hischier) and Timo (Meier), and they kind of feel like big brothers to me, basically. I'm spending a lot of time with them. Been hanging around with the Hughes brothers and (Dawson) Mercer when we are on the road. I feel really comfortable, and almost everyone in this room has helped me since I came in. It is pretty special.
THN: A quick follow-up question. Since this is your first full season here, have you noticed a growth in how comfortable you have become from training camp and the beginning of the season to this point?
Holtz: Yeah, definitely. Last year, there were a lot of Swedes here, like five, who started the season. It was easy to go to the comfortable side and speak Swedish all the time. Now, just me and Bratt are here. It has been good for me to speak English all the time and create really strong bonds with the guys as well. I had a lot of fun this year.
THN: How would you describe your first 100 NHL games?
Holtz: It has been a lot of ups and downs. Some games I haven't played as much, and some games I play a little more. Of course, it has been a battle. I always want to play as much as possible and I want to contribute as much as I can out there. Hopefully, the next 100 will be better.
THN: Let's talk about young Alexander Holtz. I feel like young Alex would be proud of everything you have done so far in your career.
Holtz: Yeah, he would probably be proud to have played 100 games in the best league in the world. That is something he could only dream of when he started playing hockey. It is pretty special, but at the same time, he would never be satisfied either.
THN: I don't know if you know this, but Devils fans love you; they definetely have a soft spot for you. What would you say to those who have supported you through these first 100 games?
Holtz: I appreciate all the support and I'm trying to do my best out there. Yeah, I love them too.