Making sense of the Golden Knights trades with New Jersey and Washington

Alexander Holtz, Swedish forward

While the Logan Thompson trade doesn't look so appealing, the trade with the New Jersey Devils does. The Vegas Golden Knights traded a fourth-line player and a third-round pick next year to New Jersey for Alexander Holtz and Akira Schmid. So what does the 22-year-old Swedish forward bring to the table?

For one, he's proficient in the slot, specifically in high-danger situations (71% more productive). His knack for finishing the play and playing from the wing makes him desirable. The former first-round pick is also quick, coming with immaculate skating ability. He moves great laterally and can easily burst past defenders.

However, he isn't the best defensive player and must be more physical. That means winning more puck battles, which can be fixed with Bruce Cassidy as his head coach. Still, he's a budding goal scorer with 16 goals and 28 points in 2023-24. That's promising for a 22-year-old star whose ceiling is high.