The Knights lost top six forwards in Jonathan Marchessault and Chandler Stephenson, will look to Olofsson, Holtz to help fill void.
When the Golden Knights lost forwards Jonathan Marchessault, Chandler Stephenson, Michael Amadio, William Carrier and Anthony Mantha on the opening day of the NHL free agency period they saw 81 goals depart from last season. That kind of production is difficult to replace, especially from top six forwards in Marchessault and Stephenson. If the Golden Knights are going to contend for the Pacific division crown next season they are going to need to get strong production from their newest forwards in Victor Olofsson and Alexander Holtz.
The Knights acquired Alexander Holtz on day two of the NHL draft at the Sphere in Las Vegas on Saturday that saw the Knights send Paul Cotter along with the Knights 3rd round selection in the 2025 draft to New Jersey. Holtz, 22, was selected 7th overall in the 2020 draft and was expected to be a high-end goal scorer for the Devils. Holtz struggled to crack the Devils lineup in the first two seasons after being drafted, only appearing in 28 games. Last season Holtz was able to become a regular in the Devils lineup playing in all 82 games. Holtz scored 16 goals and 28 points, often leaving the Devils coaching staff wanting more.
Holtz still has a high pedigree and will be given another chance to play a big role in the Knights lineup this coming season. Holtz owns a quick release and ability to beat goalies from distance. With the right line-mates coupled with getting more minutes Holtz could have a break-out out season which would be a big boost for the Knights in the goal scoring department.
Olofsson, 28, signed a 1 year $1.075M contract with the Golden Knights yesterday after spending the last six seasons with the Buffalo Sabres. The Ornskoldsvik, Sweden native is coming off the worst season of his career last season only scoring 7 goals in 51 games. Despite the season Olofsson had last year, he has shown the propensity to score goals, hitting the 20 goal mark three times in his career. Olofsson's best season of his career came during the 22-23 season when he scored 28 goals. Olofsson's best attribute is his shot, often being used in the "Ovechkin" spot on the PP where he uses his one-timer to beat goalies. If Olofsson can get back to being a close to 30 goal scorer that would great value for the Knights being his cap hit comes in at just a tad over $1M.
The Knights are certainly going to feel the loss of Marchessault and Stephenson in their lineup this season. That is a fact. However, if Holtz and Olofsson can play to the best of their abilities it will help replace some of the production lost.