When people talk about the New Jersey Devils, the conversation almost always circles back to Jack Hughes – the unmistakable superstar of the franchise. Conversations, however, tend to hide the unfortunate hero in Captain Nico Hischier, a quiet but dominant presence on and next to the ice for the Devils.
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Although he does not produce the highlight-reel moments of players such as Hughes or Jesper Bratt, he has the unmistakable skill and two-way game that makes him essential for the success of the team. His leadership style deserves respect through consistency, accountability and a team-first mentality. He is the glue of the schedule of the Devils and has led the team to their franchise best in 2022-23 under some of their worst seasons and in serious conversations around the Stanley Cup position.
Hischier’s Silent Power
In the NHL Entry Draft 2017, Hischier wrote history as the first player born in Switzerland to be selected first. Since then he has continued to exceed expectations and determine new milestones. In his Rookie season he finished with 52 points (20 goals, 32 assists) and continued with an upward route in ice age and points. In the 2020-21 season, Hischier was proclaimed 12th Captain in Franchise History Just 22 years old. The movement reflected the faith of the organization in its adulthood, leadership qualities and the ability to serve as the face of the team. Hischier has always emphasized the team for himself, entry on the NHLPA After I received the CaptainCy: “I try to give the right example, play the right way, do the little things well and always put the team for me. That is what I try to do. I always want to do what is best for the team and not for me. That is my way of thinking.”
And that is exactly what he did.
The leadership of Hischier is about selflessness. His impact amounts to the more subtle details, such as both the majority of the penalty-kill and the Power-Play minutes, winning faceoffs and serving as an important offensive defensive player through all the zones on the ice. In favor of the man, he apparently easily absorbs cross controls and deflections and had 60 blocks during the 2024-25 season. He led the team in goals (35), Power-Play goals (14), FaceOFF victories and FaceOFF win percentage (978, 55.5%). His ability to do both the small and the big things is what distinguishes him. Hischier does not lead by demanding the spotlight, but by prioritizing the needs of the team over his.
Hischier’s growth as a player
Since putting on the “C”, Hischier has grown steadily in one of the most reliable two -way players in the competition, with every passing season new milestones. In 2022-23 he had a running season, with 80 points (31 goals, 49 assists) and on average 19:17 Ice Age (toi). Towards the following season he worked his way to an average of 20:23 Toi, which shows that he must play a complete game from the opening drawing to the last service. In October of last season, Hischier again felt his presence and became the first player in the NHL who achieved 10 goals. True to the form, he did this calmly and proved a stable but unmistakable power.
In 2022-23, Hischier finished as a Selke FinalistA prize that is awarded to the attacker who demonstrates the most skill in the defensive component of the game. In 2024-25 he received enough voices to get fourth place, giving him recognition in his game and 11 votes in first place.
During the growth of his career and the appreciation of fans, teammates and coaches for the strengths he brings to the team, Hischier never hesitates who he is as a person, humble and grateful for the position he has rightly earned. Although he may not be the loudest player in the team, he regularly expresses his position as a captain as a privilege and uses it to continue to push his team to their full potential, driven by a ruthless desire to win games and perform at the highest level.
His teammates and coaches constantly agree. Hischier is’ the driving train for [the] team, “said Bratt in An exclusive interview Last April. Bratt and Histchier have been playing together for the Devils since 2017 and have taken steps in their development as players since their first experiences in the training camp. “You could see those tendencies from the start,” said Bratt about Hischier. “He was so modest, such a great person, and a truly hard-working man from the start … He wants this team to succeed and wants everyone to bring his A-game too.”
Head coach Sheldon Keefe Echode Bratt’s Lof, who expresses how impressed he has been with the young captain during his first year as a coach for the Devils. “I don’t know if I have given him an easy shift this season. He gets the most difficult assignments every night and to still contribute and produce the way he has all those defensive assignments for me, he helped a much improved defensive team and an anchor for us that way.”
Hischier’s influence on Devils goes beyond statistics
Hischier’s captain, rooted in humility, resilience and example, reflects who he is on and out of the ice. He leads with effort and empathy, deserves confidence from his coaches, teammates and fans – when Hischier steps on the ice, a sense of trust follows. He has been at high pressure moments for a long time and his dedication to the Devils organization is clear in his actions. He has grown into a leader who inspires the example and in particular raises the people around him. His influence extends beyond the statistics – he actively forms the culture, work ethics and identity of the team.
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