The Vegas Golden Knights have completed a trade with the New Jersey Devils involving Alexander Holtz. In this deal, the Golden Knights receive Holtz and goalie Akira Schmid in exchange for Paul Cotter and a third-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.
Alexander Holtz Joins the Golden Knights
Holtz, a Swedish forward, played parts of three seasons with the Devils, appearing in all 82 games this season and achieving career-highs with 16 goals and 12 assists, totaling 28 points. The 22-year-old had a Corsi for percentage of 52.4 and a relative Corsi of 0.5. He was originally drafted seventh overall in the first round of the 2020 NHL Draft.
Akira Schmid’s Performance
Schmid, a Swiss goaltender, posted a record of 5-9-1 this season, with a 3.15 goals-against average and a .895 save percentage. He was drafted in the fifth round, 136th overall, in the 2018 NHL Draft.
Paul Cotter’s Move to the Devils
Cotter, a Michigan native, has played parts of three seasons with the Golden Knights, scoring seven goals and 18 assists for 25 points in 76 games this past season. His Corsi for percentage was 48.2, with a relative Corsi of -0.1. Cotter was selected in the fourth round, 115th overall, in the 2018 NHL Draft.
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What It Means
Holtz will have a fresh start with a contending team in Vegas, where he can build on his recent performance with the Devils. Schmid found himself squeezed out after New Jersey acquired Jacob Markstrom, despite leading the Devils to a playoff victory over the New York Rangers in 2023.
For the Devils, Cotter can contribute as a bottom-six forward, having reached double-digit goals with the Golden Knights in the 2022-23 season, although his numbers declined last year.
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