After spending the last two months in the minors, Alexander Holtz is getting another NHL shot. The Golden Knights have recalled the winger according to the NHL’s Media Portal while Danny Webster relays (Twitter link) that Holtz was on the third line in the morning skate.
The 23-year-old was acquired at the draft last year from New Jersey with Vegas hoping that a change of scenery could help unlock things for the 2020 seventh overall selection. However, that didn’t exactly happen. Holtz had a limited role with the Golden Knights in the first half of the season, notching just three goals and eight assists in 49 games while averaging 11:31 per night. That playing time was similar to last season with the Devils when Holtz put up 16 goals and 12 helpers while playing all 82 games. Instead of taking a step forward, he took a step back offensively.
That resulted in the Golden Knights taking a step back with Holtz when they assigned him to AHL Henderson in early February. He certainly had more success with the Silver Knights, tallying seven goals and six assists in 16 appearances to earn this promotion.
It’s one that could be short-lived, however. Webster notes (Twitter link) that winger Victor Olofsson was held out of the game day skate due to illness but could still play tonight against Seattle. In that case, emergency conditions would no longer apply, meaning Holtz would either have to be returned to Henderson or be converted to one of their four post-deadline regular recalls.
In other Vegas news, Webster adds that center Jack Eichel remains listed as day-to-day and won’t suit up against the Kraken. However, center Tomas Hertl was a full participant in the morning skate and appears to be set to play on the second line so they will at least get one impact center back for this one as they look to get one spot closer to clinching the Pacific Division title. Hertl missed a little more than two weeks with a shoulder injury but still sits second on the Golden Knights in goals with 33 and third on the team in points with 59 in 70 games.