Nico Hischier, captain of the New Jersey Devils, finds himself approaching the summer prior to the final season of his current NHL contract. As such, he is eligible to sign an extension with the team this offseason that could potentially keep him with the Devils for another seven seasons beyond 2026-27. Hischier was asked about this prior to Tuesday’s pitiful effort against the Flyers; his response was fairly non-committal and standard for the situation. This seeming indifference, however, has prompted
some fans to worry that Hischier plans to leave next summer as an unrestricted free agent.
Maybe it’s still way too early to plan for that scenario (technically Hischier isn’t even able to sign an extension yet) but with the negative trends around the team, it’s a warranted fear. The Devils can’t really afford to lose a center the caliber of Hischier, yet if he decides he’s done with the inconsistency of this franchise, there’s little the team can do. The most proactive thing the Devils can do is enter negotiations and offer him a new deal as soon as their GM situation is sorted. Regardless of the what Hischier’s camp’s stance is, starting the negotiations gives them an idea of what to do.
The best case scenario is that Hischier wants to stay, enters negotiations in good faith, and eventually he and the team reach an agreement on a new deal that keeps the captain around longer. Whether it’s seven years, less than that, a good dollar amount, a slight overpay, all of that will be determined throughout the negotiations. What matters in this situation is the Devils do not lose their all-situations captain. Bringing Hischier back means the Devils can continue to add to the team around him and other players like Jack Hughes, rather than trying to replace Hischier while also adding to the team.
The middling scenario is Hischier informs the team that he has zero intention of re-signing and they begin to shop him with the intention of a trade anytime between the summer and next season’s trade deadline. This situation is far from ideal, as Nico wouldn’t be an easy player to replace. At the same time, this scenario allows the Devils to recoup some assets for him if he’s determined to move on and play elsewhere. While Hischier does have a 10 team no trade list, that still leaves 21 other clubs that the Devils could theoretically move him to. If the Devils are in a position where they know he’s moving on, there’s still enough potential suitors where the return wouldn’t have to be diminished.
The worst case scenario is Hischier leaving next summer for nothing. This could be a result of both parties not being able to agree on a new deal, or the Devils keeping Nico through the end of the year because they’re doing well, a combination of factors, or other reasons. This is the situation the Devils absolutely cannot allow to come to pass. Losing Nico in general sets the franchise back; losing him for nothing creates another mountain for the Devils to conquer in order to return to relevance. The Devils’ center depth already has enough question marks; losing one of the few efficient players the team has at the position would be catastrophic.
If Hischier decides he does not want to sign an extension, then I want the next Devils’ GM to be proactive in trying to move him. Nico cannot be allowed to leave without getting at least some pieces back for him. If the Devils truly feel like they’re not a rebuilding squad, and just need to make some adjustments to be successful again, then they can’t let a big piece just up and leave. That’s the kind of situation that leads to a rebuild rather than to better days. Hopefully, Hischier is happy being the Devils’ captain and decides he wants to continue playing here with (hopefully) better results to come under a new regime.
What are your thoughts on the Nico Hischier contract situation? Do you think he re-signs this summer? Do you think he waits it out, either for a better deal or to potentially test unrestricted free agency? Do you think he outright tells the Devils he will not be signing an extension? If that happens, do you want the Devils to move him even if they’re in the midst of a strong season? Leave any and all comments below and thanks as always for reading!
