With the Toronto Maple Leafs in need of a depth scoring option, former seventh-overall Alexander Holtz is looking like someone who can come in and be an inexpensive option.
The former New Jersey Devils draft pick is currently in the Las Vegas Golden Knights' system, where he has split his time between the NHL club and the AHL's Henderson Silver Knights.
With Holtz experiencing few opportunities to shine in Vegas, the Maple Leafs could be the right environment to see the Swedish National thrive.
Vegas never gave Alexander Holtz a consistent offensive role
Holtz had his best NHL season with the New Jersey Devils during the 2023-24 campaign, scoring 16 goals in 82 games. Since moving over to the Golden Knights, he managed four goals in 53 games in 2024-25, and just three goals in 28 games last season.
As far as ice time is concerned, Holtz earned 11-and-a-half minutes of ice time per game. This coincides with a player who is only being utilized in the bottom six of a lineup.
When Holtz was scouted prior to the 2020 NHL Draft, he was heralded for his power play ability. However, he has barely been used on the power play in Vegas. Of course, there is a chance that the Golden Knights don't think he's good enough for the opportunity. On the flip side, he has shown power play prowess in the past, and one must wonder if he is being underutilized.
If you're the Toronto Maple Leafs, you have to ask if Holtz failed in Vegas because his game doesn't match the NHL level, or if his abilities were never maximized?
Toronto needs one cheap forward whose job is to create offence, not just protect the lineup
This offseason, the Toronto Maple Leafs brought in a forward supporting cast of Teddy Blueger, Nick Paul, Brandon Duhaime, and Colton Sissons. These are players who are known for their checking, size, and defensive utility. This leaves room for a different kind of depth forward.
If Auston Matthews, William Nylander, or another top-six winger were to get hurt, the Leafs would then have to promote someone. That someone would ideally be a scorer. As it stands, the team just doesn't have that right now.
Holtz is only making $837,500 AAV until the end of the upcoming season. At that kind of cap hit, the Maple Leafs do not need him to be a star. Instead, his value comes from being an option. Whether that be on the fourth line or through second power-play unit shooting. If the experiment fails, it's a low financial risk. With the Leafs' cap situation, it is more advantageous than paying $3 million for a middle-six veteran.
Toronto does not need another expensive depth forward. It needs a low-cost player with enough offensive upside to give the bottom six a different look. If Vegas were willing to move him, Holtz would fit that profile.
Do you believe the Toronto Maple Leafs should acquire Alexander Holtz?
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