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Devils sign Nico Hischier to rookie deal

By Nic Hendrickson

CHICAGO, IL - JUNE 23: First overall draft pick Nico Hischier of the New Jersey Devils poses for a portrait during Round One of the 2017 NHL Draft at United Center on June 23, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - JUNE 23: First overall draft pick Nico Hischier of the New Jersey Devils poses for a portrait during Round One of the 2017 NHL Draft at United Center on June 23, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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The New Jersey Devils have signed first overall pick of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft Nico Hischier to a three-year entry level contract. The contract will pay Hischier an average of $925,000 per season.

The New Jersey Devils have signed first overall pick Nico Hischier to a three-year entry level contract worth $925,000 per season. Hischier was widely believed to be one of the top two prospects in this year’s draft, along with Nolan Patrick.

Hischier, 18, is widely believed to be one of only two players in this year’s draft to be NHL ready. The Swiss centerman impressed with the Halifax Moosehead last season, scoring 38 goals and adding 48 assists to his total in just 57 games in the QMJHL.

Many expected Nolan Patrick to steal the top spot, but with injury worries the Devils opted for the silky-skating Swiss center. Hischier is an impressive talent that excels in all areas of the ice, and is a fantastic play making center.

Hischier is an all-around solid center that can excel in every area of the ice. He is a very good skater who uses his agility to create space and opportunities for his teammates. He is also very advanced in the defensive zone for an 18-year-old, making him a fantastic choice for a Devils organization in desperate need of a top center.

The one thing that sets Hischier apart from the rest of his draft class is his superior vision and hockey IQ. He spots passing lanes and moves the puck efficiently to create a plethora of scoring chances for his teammates. This could turn into a valuable trait to have when playing alongside a player like Taylor Hall.

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While Hischier is certainly NHL ready when looking at skill and IQ, he will need to add some size to his rather slender frame. Hischier is listed at 6-foot-1 and 176 pounds currently, but that certainly won’t hold him back from having a productive rookie season, if he makes the Devils roster.

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