The Devils announced this morning that forward Alex Holtz has been assigned to Utica of the American Hockey League (AHL).
Holtz was the Devils first selection in the first round (7th overall) in the 2020 NHL Draft. Dawson Mercer and Shakir Mukhamadullin were the Devils other first-round picks in 2020.
Last season Holtz arrived in North America to join the Binghamton Devils after his season in Sweden was complete. He signed his entry-level contract in April and after serving his mandatory quarantine, joined the AHL club for 10 games where he registered a goal and two assists.
Holtz will be able to find more ice-time while with Utica and play an important role for their team. It's unlikely that ice-time would be available to Holtz at the NHL level at the moment.
In speaking with management and coaches, it's clear that they are pleased with his level of talent, but with a logjam on the current roster, Holtz is a player that it better suited to a top-6 role that includes power play time, and minutes that reflect his capabilities as a developing top-6 winger.
Holtz lead the team in points during the preseason with two goals and two assists in three games played.
There are 27 players left at Devils training camp.
The team must be down to the 23-man roster by 5 p.m. today.
Alex Holtz Assigned to Utica | BLOG
The 19-year-old is set to play his first full season in North America
