The New Jersey Devils and captain Nico Hischier have a big offseason ahead. Devils General Manager Sunny Mehta has a mess to clean up, with the roster and cap space to clear to make the roster better. He is also dealing with extension talks for Simon Nemec and Nico Hischier.
While all signs point to an extension, given that Hischier is eligible for one on July 1st, if these negotiations drag out, Mehta could entertain offers to reset the team or move it in a different direction, given the lack of success with this core group.
New Jersey Devils and Nico Hischier Continue to Talk Extension
As Anthony Di Marco of The Daily Faceoff joined TSN Radio in Montreal and was asked about the possibility of the New Jersey Devils trading captain Nico Hischier to shake things up if extension talks fall apart.
TheDevilsNation.com Transcriptions
Host: “As the silly season goes all the way into the draft, after the end of the month, we’re going to have some fun here on Campbell versus Gallo. How much stock do you put in the fact that (Nico) Hischier could be on the move?”
Anthony Di Marco: I think there is a lot of truth to it. I mean, you could see guys like Pierre LeBrun put it out, and that it has to be true. I think Sunny Mehta, the new GM in New Jersey, probably wants to put his stamp on that roster, and they have to do something different, right? Like, it just hasn’t worked in New Jersey, especially after a promising season a few years ago, and it obviously led to the dismissal of Tom Fitzgerald.
Devils Captain Nico Hischier: “The Standard is High“
So, I mean, I think that they’re going to make a move there. It would certainly make sense. I think they need some more physicality and just a different element to that lineup up front. Obviously, Timo Meier hasn’t really been what they wanted or expected, I would say, since getting traded there. What was that, 2023 or so? So, moving off from Hischier, your second line center, your team captain, was drafted nine years ago. Now, me, that will shake things up.”
Again, there is always a possibility. No player is untouchable, and we have seen captains be traded before. However, Hischier has stated that he wants to stay and that he loves New Jersey. He does have a 10-team, no-trade clause. There would be plenty of teams interested in his services if the Devils decide to go in that direction.
This is a situation to keep an eye on in New Jersey. Right now, the goal is an extension for Nico Hischier and the New Jersey Devils.
