If you didn't hear the news today, the Vegas Golden Knights placed defenseman Lukas Cormier on waivers. They also placed injured defenseman Parker Wotherspoon on IR and called up... Alexander Holtz from the AHL (i.e., the Henderson Silver Knights). That's right, ladies and gentlemen. We might be getting the Holtz experience with the Golden Knights once again.
The Golden Knights have recalled Alex Holtz from the AHL.
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) October 21, 2026
They have also placed Lukas Cormier on waivers.
Parker Wotherspoon was placed on IR as well.
Well, Holtz would hope for some time with the Golden Knights. Vegas doesn't necessarily have anybody injured on the forward front, aside from Victor Olofsson. The team has also gotten promising returns from lower-line wingers such as Marc Gatcomb and Braeden Bowman, leaving little room for the former first-round pick to even be considered for a spot.
But! Let's say that luck somehow swings in his favor and he gets his spot. Let's say that someone (unfortunately) goes down and is out for a while. That leaves a spot open for Holtz to slot into the lineup and earn his keep (or try to, at least). After all, he does have four goals and four assists in the AHL this season (five games).
What must he do to ensure that he actually shows something to the Golden Knights and keeps him around a little longer? Yes, he's trending towards being cut loose since he's a restricted free agent with arbitration rights after this season. But let's be a little nice to him before we send him off to put curly fries in the bag at the local Arby's.
What Alexander Holtz must do to salvage his Vegas Golden Knights (and hockey) career if he gets the opportunity
There's one thing that I've noticed with Holtz whenever he steps onto the ice with the Golden Knights. Of course, this is an intangible more than anything, but it's crucial to the young winger's game. That happens to be his confidence. How, you ask?
Well, it shows up whenever he has the puck. The problem with Holtz is that he doesn't take a good shot when given the opportunity. That's why he only has seven goals and 14 assists in his two-year Vegas residency. It's something that the New Jersey Devils picked up on, which was why they dumped him off in the first place.
The confidence issue also explains why he's not the best back-checker. Holtz doesn't play much defense, which irritated former head coach Bruce Cassidy. If you're not playing defense, you're a liability unless you can do something else.
Sadly, that's what has Holtz stuck in his current situation. He's an offensive liability as well with a paltry forecheck and an awry shot. Granted, his shot can also be blistering, at times. But it hasn't been tempered to being useful.
Let's be completely honest about Alexander Holtz's future for a second
There was plenty of hype surrounding the Golden Knights when he was acquired before the 2024-25 season. People liked his productivity from the prior season, when he scored 16 goals and 12 assists with the New Jersey Devils.
"16 goals and 12 assists? HOT BUTTERED POPCORN, THAT'S A DEAL!"
However, the returns haven't been there, which has diminished any remaining confidence among the fanbase. In turn, fans are expecting him to get that Arby's uniform on after the season concludes if there are no injuries.
But hey, anything can happen. Nobody expected the Golden Knights to make the Stanley Cup in their inaugural season. No? Not here? Okay, I'll stop.
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