As the first-ever Swiss-born player to be drafted number one overall in NHL history, Nico Hischier is no stranger to pressure and high expectations. Now in his seventh year in the league, Hischier captains a young New Jersey Devils squad that had success last year, culminating in the first playoff series win for the Devils since the 2011-2012 season. With young stars like Jack and Luke Hughes, up-and-coming talents Šimon Nemec and Nico Daws, and veterans Dougie Hamilton and Brendan Smith, the 2023-2024 Devils team held a lot of promise and potential coming into the season. But throughout the first half of the year, it’s been a continual struggle of injuries, weak goaltending, offensive droughts, defensive mistakes, and shuffled lines and pairings that lack chemistry. Needless to say, Hischier has a substantial amount of pressure on his shoulders to lead this team out of their funk and into a consistent groove.
Hischier prides himself on his 200 foot game and is often contributing to other teammates success at the expense of his own point totals. He plays unselfishly, trying to make mindful defensive decisions and producing offensive opportunities for his linemates. Earlier in the season, when Hischier returned from injury, Jack Hughes complimentarily referred to him as the team’s “horse.” Over his career, Hischier has proved he’s willing to put in the hard work to carry the team to success.
Hischier can be a great goal-scorer in his own right, most recently netting two in the February 13th game against the Nashville Predators. In 42 games this season, he has 35 points. He’s expressed frustration this season with stretches of games where both he and his teammates have struggled to create goal-scoring opportunities. Prior to the All-Star break, Devils team reporter Amanda Stein said that Hischier appeared to be “the most frustrated, angry, and disappointed” she had seen him in his time with the Devils. The break afforded Hischier and the Devils the opportunity to reset and refocus. Throughout a season of ups and downs, Hischier has remained committed to working on his game and modeling perseverance for his teammates. Since the All-Star break, Hischier has 7 points in 6 games. He continues to make smart defensive plays and control the puck through the neutral zone. As captain, his duties often include speaking with the media after games, regardless of the outcome. After being faced with losses, team struggles, or injured players, Hischier always emphasizes their work ethic. He maintains composure and concentrates on what his team needs to do to move forward.
Having a forward-focused mentality can only help the Devils as they move into the second half of this season. Their Saturday night Stadium Series match-up with the Philadelphia Flyers proves to be pivotal for the Metropolitan Division standings and for the playoff picture as a whole. The Devils currently sit 7 points back from the Flyers, who are third in the Metropolitan Division. At this point, the Devils can no longer afford to have inconsistent stretches of hockey. This team has to lock in if they want a chance at making the playoffs, and Nico Hischier’s proving he can walk the walk and talk the talk as the team’s leader.
