Again, I'm a big fan of Holtz. But I hold him to higher expectations because of this. He was the #7 overall pick, he was one of the top-2 go-to players for Team Sweden, whom many predicted to medal (I don't see how) -- even win gold (I really really don't see how).
I have conceded that Holtz lacked anything resembling a center, which he needs more than a possession-type winger like Podkolzin or Zegras. Sweden's top center going into the tournament was Karl Henriksson, who -- to give context -- would have had zero chance of cracking the roster for Canada or the USA. When it came out that Henriksson was missing the tournament, Sweden was really in trouble up the middle. Sweden also lacked offensive defensemen to move the puck up ice -- their top two defenders were Soderstrom and Bjornfot, both of whom are known more for their stay-at-home play than their offense.
So, I give Holtz the benefit of the doubt in that his expectations were pretty much unreachable due to circumstances beyond his control. Still, he only played one game where he truly stood out -- the overtime loss vs. Russia. He was certainly outstanding in that game. But, still. Holtz did not score vs. Austria or the Czechs, nor did he move the needle vs. the USA or Finlands
If this were a "depth guy" like Moynihan or Gritsyuk, I'd give him a pass, for sure. But Holtz was relied upon to score, and he did not achieve this. Therefore, though I didn't fail him, I could not -- by my own standards -- give him a good grade, either. And I went with the D+.
I've said it many times, we cannot look too deeply into one tournament to gauge a player's future. I have no doubt that Holtz will be a terrific goal-scorer at the NHL level. I am not doubting his selection at #7 overall, nor am I questioning his future prospects. All I am saying, is that 10 years from now when Holtz looks back at the 2021 WJC, it will not be without some regret. I expect him to improve upon this, and I expect Alexander Holtz to blossom into an outstanding goal-scorer at the NHL level.
