Golden Knights Waive Alexander Holtz and Cole Reinhardt
The Vegas Golden Knights have made notable roster changes by placing forwards Alexander Holtz and Cole Reinhardt on waivers. This move, reported by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, allows other NHL teams 24 hours to claim either player before tomorrow’s deadline.
Alexander Holtz’s Career Overview
Drafted seventh overall by the New Jersey Devils in 2020, Holtz was initially seen as a promising prospect. He showed potential during the 2023-24 NHL season, scoring 16 goals and accumulating 28 points in 82 games for the Devils. However, he did not secure a permanent spot in the team’s lineup.
This past summer, New Jersey traded Holtz, along with Akira Schmid, to the Golden Knights in exchange for Paul Cotter and a third-round draft pick. Unfortunately, his time in Las Vegas hasn’t yielded positive results. In two years, Holtz has recorded only seven goals and 21 points over 81 games, primarily playing in a bottom-six role and averaging 11:33 of ice time per game.
His performance has led to multiple healthy scratches and a demotion to the AHL’s Henderson Silver Knights last season. Although he remains signed through next year at a salary of $850,000, his failure to meet draft expectations raises questions about his future in the league. Rebuilding teams such as the Nashville Predators, St. Louis Blues, or Vancouver Canucks could view him as a low-risk option.
Cole Reinhardt’s Situation
Cole Reinhardt, 26, faces a similar predicament. After several seasons with the Ottawa Senators organization, he joined the Golden Knights on a two-year contract worth $1.63 million, with an average annual value of $813,000. This season marks Reinhardt’s first substantial opportunity in the NHL, where he has recorded three goals and seven points in 44 games, averaging 9:47 of ice time.
Reinhardt could add physicality to another team’s lineup if claimed; however, his overall contributions have been limited. Many teams may prefer other available players at this time of year.
Implications for the AHL and Calder Cup Playoffs
According to NHL qualification rules, players must be on an AHL roster by 3:00 p.m. EST to qualify for the Calder Cup playoffs. The Henderson Silver Knights are currently vying for a playoff spot in the AHL’s Pacific Division. Should the Golden Knights not utilize Holtz and Reinhardt for their postseason run, both players could still contribute to Henderson’s playoff aspirations.
