The Vegas Golden Knights have acquired goaltender Akira Schmid and forward Alexander Holtz from the New Jersey Devils, per Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman (Twitter link). In return, New Jersey has received forward Paul Cotter and Vegas’ 2025 third-round pick.
This trade provides Vegas a quick fill-in for Logan Thompson after they dealt him to the Washington Capitals for two picks. Thompson served as Vegas’ starter in the wake of injuries to Adin Hill last season, posting 25 wins and a .908 save percentage in 46 starts. It was a strong year for Thompson that warrants another shot at opportunity. He’ll search for that in Washington, while Vegas brings in Schmid, 24, who’s filled a much more typical backup role with the Devils. He posted a measly five wins and .895 save percentage this year, but was much more effective as a rookie last season, when he managed nine wins and a .922 save percentage in 18 games. Schmid is still in need of a bigger sample size, but his career .899 save percentage through 43 games suggests a modest NHL upside.
The Golden Knights will get to test that upside alongside the surprising addition of top young forward Alexander Holtz. Previously the seventh-overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, Holtz struggled to earn consistent ice time under previous Devils head coach Lindy Ruff. Even then, Holtz found his way to good effect, recording 16 goals and 28 points while playing in all 82 games this season. Holtz seemed rife with upside this season, even amidst an ever-changing role. Consistency in the Vegas top-six could lead to a major pay-off, though Holtz will have to fight with Pavel Dorofeyev for the role of young sniper atop the Vegas depth charts.
Meanwhile, New Jersey receives the projectable role of Cotter. He stepped as Vegas’ full-time fourth-line centerman this year, recording 25 points and 41 penalty minutes through 76 games. It was his second full-year on an NHL roster, having recorded 13 goals and 18 points in 55 games last year. Cotter doesn’t inspire too much down the lineup, though he should be a responsible addition to New Jersey’s bottom lines.
Hoe leash it.
Holtz has lost that much value?
Wow. As a kraken fan, I don’t like it.
7th overall pick. Why do teams continue to help Vegas?
Even though I view McGroarty as a much better and coveted NHL prospect than Holtz, seeing this trade might explain why the Jets weren’t able (or willing) to pull trigger on a trade for McGroarty this week!
Wtf
Is New Jersey drunk?
Ugggh I was really looking forward to seeing Holtz under Sheldon Keefe. Seems like the type of coach who would put him in position to let his skillset shine.
I don’t get this from NJ’s perspective at all.
The Devils like Nico Daws better than Schmid, even though Schmid showed so potential when he had a better defense in front of him ( Dougie Hamilton, where were you when Akira needed you?).
Holtz looked like he was finally putting it together. Was this a trade to relieve some salary cap pressure for this season and the next? This story didn’t touch upon it, but I bet there is something there.