Current & Former Devils Forward Trying Out for Sweden’s World Championship Team

New Jersey Devils forward Alexander Holtz wasn’t sure if he was going to play at the upcoming 2024 IIHF World Championships.

Holtz explained he is definitely going home to Sweden this spring/summer to train with his skating coach with the goal of becoming a better 200-foot player next season.

As of Friday, Alexander Holtz is trying out for Sweden’s national team, a source tells New Jersey Hockey Now.

On Friday morning, Tre Kronor made the official announcement that Holtz is on the preliminary roster.

“Now we are taking it even further with this squad, where we are bringing in reinforcements from the NHL. My most important task will be to, together with the other coaches, set our game system for all the new faces. We will use the time in the best way to prepare for the World Cup opener against the USA on May 10,” says Sweden’s captain Sam Hallam.

Holtz is joined by former Devils forward, now a member of the San Jose Sharks Fabian Zetterlund.

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson and Marcus Pettersson have already been named to the official Sweden roster.

Devils forward Jesper Bratt turned down the invitation to play for his country this summer after discussing with New Jersey’s medical team it was in his best interest not to participate due to injury.

Other NHLers who are on Sweden’s preliminary roster include Seattle Kraken forward Andre Burakovsky, Buffalo Sabres skaters Rasmus Dahlin & Victor Olofsson, and Minnesota Wild forward Joel Eriksson Ek, among others.

Although his season had its ups and downs, Holtz scored 16 goals and 28 points in 82 games during his first full NHL season.

As for Zetterlund, 2023-24 wasn’t his first full NHL season after playing 67 games between the Devils and Sharks last year. However, it was his first 82-game stretch.

The Sharks are certainly happy with Zetterlund’s development, as the Swedish forward potted 20 goals and 44 points for the last-place Sharks team.

Holtz and Zetterlund — who are close friends — now have the opportunity to secure spots on their national team for a chance to prove themselves at the international level.

Sweden will play three preliminary games ahead of the tournament that starts on May 10th against Switzerland, Czech Republic, and Finland.

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