Holtz or playoffs gotta choose not both

He's not ready. I hate to say it. If you look at the 3rd Tampa goal (Hedman's goal), Holtz was out of position which led to Hedman getting a clear shot. His shot is amazing but he still needs to improve all around.

Devils play 6 more games until December 4th (Hughes' reevaluation). Play Holtz 3 of those games and if he doesn't make an impact, send him down to the undefeated Comets

Another idea is to send him down right now and use those 3 games when Hughes gets back so we can see how he plays with Jack

Regardless, I think he ends up in the NHL sooner than later

Lines when Holtz gets sent down
37-13-90
11-18-63
59-70-17
16-20-49

Once 86 comes back, switch 70 for 86 and 49 for 70

He was out of position on that first goal too ... just GAVE UP on the play once he was pinned on the boards. NHL quality winger fights through that with effort & at least tries to get a stick out there. Shooter had even more room than Hedman on the third goal there

Both lapses absolutely egregious

Just wanna point out that the kid is only 19. Even for first round picks it's unlikely that they can hang with the tempo of the NHL while still in their teens.
I think management miscalculated his timeline here, seeing Mercer lighting it up thinking that Alex'd do the same.
Feel like you're being a bit harsh on him.



Would've been better if Holtz was put in a position to succeed for his first outings in the NHL rather than being counted on to mitigate the injuries we currently have at forward - Hughes, Wood, Boqvist, Thompson. He really should've been kept in Utica for at least Hughes to return.

And while I agree that it'd be preferable to have him sent down for the remainder of the season, there could be an issue for Wednesday's game against the Wild, given the injuries.
Other than calling up Studenic, if Boqvist or Thompson aren't fit for Wednesday I don't really see any other option than playing Holtz.
Unless we want to be graced with the talents of Geertsen again, I for one am good in that department.

Sure, I understand he's 19. Very few 19 year olds are ready for this level & his lack of awareness and lapses in defensive zone are to be expected. Hopefully Ruff and Company coach him up and get his head on straight & keep his confidence from caving.

My post was really about the Devils management keeping the kid up at this time. It seems a disservice to both Holtz and the team. If they want to make the playoffs, he needs to go back down; if they prefer to develop him in NHL, then the team will suffer some bad goals against. Your point about injuries is a good one, but the quicker he gets back to Utica, the better for all involved imo.

3 games isn't worth it. Show confidence in him and roll him out every night...or send him to Utica for the season. The stress of thinking you may be cut anyday will hurt his development. And with Tyce Thompson now hurt, he is probably our best available option anyway.