2020 NHL Draft Rankings: Top 10 prospects after March
By Simon Vacca
9. Alexander Holtz
DOB: Jan. 23, 2002 (age 18)
Position: RW
Shoots: R
Team: Djurgårdens IF — SHL
Height: 6-foot-0
Weight: 183 pounds
This is a player whose name will be discussed in conjunction with the likes of Filip Zadina and Cole Caufield as we near closer to the NHL Entry Draft, in that he has consistently served as the top natural goal scorer of the current class.
As such, Alexander Holtz has managed to fill the nets of opponents with pucks on a recurring basis. And while the 18-year-old boasts a shot that is nothing short of fantastic, it also bears mentioning that the Swedish forward is a well-above average passer.
Nonetheless, some are divided on what the right winger has to offer to prospective organizations. There is a pool of onlookers who see flaws in Holtz’s tendency to shoot first, and in turn regard him as the type of player who risks throwing all of his eggs into one basket. Opponents to this line of inquiry are quick to point to the forward’s hockey IQ as a selling feature that overrides any misgivings.
When all is said and done, elite goal scoring pays at the NHL level, so expect Holtz’s future club to be happy with its selection.