2020 NHL Draft Profile No. 8: Alexander Holtz
By Jason Jhutti
3 years agoToday we shift our focus to Lucas Raymond’s world junior teammate Alexander Holtz who is coming in at number eight in our 2020 draft rankings.
Date of birth: January 23, 2002
Nation: Sweden
Position: Right wing
Shoots: R
Height: 6’0″ / 182 cm
Weight: 183 lbs / 83 kg
Like soccer icon and countrymen Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Alexander Holtz has a knack for bringing people out of their seats with his goals. As Holtz laces up the skates and steps on to a new sheet of ice, the concept that he and Ibrahimovic bring to the table is the fear they strike in their opponents’ hearts with their shooting prowess and pinpoint accuracy.
Playing on the right side for Djurgardens IF, the same team as former Canucks defenceman Jason Garrison, Holtz averaged 12:53 of ice time, and despite hardly even being able to grow facial hair, Holtz was tied for fifth in the team’s goal-scoring race this past season.
Playing with Djurgardens IF under 20 team Holtz had 30 goals in 38 games in his draft -1 year. Scoring comes with ease at every level thanks to the lethal wrist shot and slap shot that Holtz possesses. Some scouts believe he has the best shot of anybody in this year’s draft class. Holtz is always ready to put the puck in the net, be it in transition, or simply picking a corner –Holtz can do it all.
What are the scouts saying?
“Holtz has scored goals wherever he’s gone, be it at the junior, international or now SHL level where he’s scoring as much as any U18 player has. Holtz has a truly elite shot but can do so much more than just rip it. His hands are elite, and he can embarrass defenders with his puck skills. He’s a very good passer. His vision isn’t as good as his scoring ability, but he can make tough plays at the pro level and doesn’t have tunnel vision. He can lean on his shot a bit too much though from the perimeter. Holtz’s skating is above-average as well, but it isn’t his selling point. I like how many elements his game has, I like that he’s already shown he can be an effective middle-six forward versus men in the SHL, and, of course, I love how much he scores.”-The Athletic’s Corey Pronman“He has a great selection of shots and is a true sniper with a quick release,He’s smart and intelligent and not only a scorer but a playmaker who finds teammates with smart passes. He’s very effective on the power play, skilled with the puck, makes smart decisions and is a strong competitor in all areas of the ice.”-Goran Stubb NHL Director of European Scouting.
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His shooting style reminds me of Winnipeg Jets forward Patrik Laine. In the video, especially on the powerplay Holtz tends to set up shop at the left side, atop the face-off circle, and has a similar release to Laine.
His style of play seems to fit the mould of a young Ilya Kovalchuk. Both are quick in transition and they can pinpoint their shot beating the goalie in stride.
With a deep draft, Holtz will be a steal for someone picking between six and 10. With his skill set, any team would be running to the virtual podium with a joker-esque smile drafting this future Rocket Richard winner.
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