Dear reader, I have an announcement to share with you. It's courtesy of a video game streamer named NintendoCapriSun. It's big, so prepare yourself. What is this big announcement?
Now that we've gotten that out of the way, let's talk about the Vegas Golden Knights, shall we? They're riding high in the NHL with the third-most points in the league (47). They're atop the Pacific Division and are primed to make yet another Stanley Cup playoff appearance (their seventh in eight seasons, to be exact).
Everything is good in Golden Knights land, so they don't need anything trade-wise. So why create a Christmas list without anything to trade for? Can we just send them $100 and wish them the best? Well, dear reader, some things on the home front must happen.
For example, some players must improve their play. That includes Alexander Holtz (two goals, seven assists), who hasn't done much in the 2024-25 season. There's also keeping a clean bill of health, which has been a problem in recent years. Losing players like Jack Eichel (lower-body injury) and Shea Theodore (upper-body injury) has hampered the team.
So let's check Santa's list twice and find out who's naughty or nice. Actually, let's explore what the Golden Knights wish for this holiday season. What things must improve for the team after the Christmas break? The Golden Knights have been good this holiday season, bringing joy to the masses in Las Vegas. Here's what's on the list for the boys in silver and gold for the holidays in 2024-25.
Get Alexander Holtz up and running
The Swedish forward has struggled immensely to start the 2024-25 season. Aside from scoring two goals and seven assists in 33 games, he has a 47% Corsi and a 46% Fenwick (according to MoneyPuck). He has also created four expected goals in his current campaign, capping off a massive struggle for the 22-year-old.
So what can the Vegas Golden Knights hope for from the former New Jersey Devils first-round pick? For one, they can hope he generates more shots on goal. Entering Monday, the winger had 43 shots on goal in 33 games, good for a shot percentage of 4.7%. He's been underwhelming for his new team, with a combination of bad luck and lackluster effort taking hold.
Perhaps bumping him down to Henderson will help him become a better player. Holtz has a waiver-exempt status in his current deal and could benefit from getting back to basics. That could allow the Golden Knights to make another move, including a reunion with a particular "Misfit..."
Whatever the case, Holtz must improve his play or risk being sacrificed to the hockey gods. The good news is he has plenty of time to right the ship with the season still being young. The bad news? He's a restricted free agent in 2025, where Kelly McCrimmon can simply cut him loose.