Hischier\u2019s 2025-26 Performance<\/p>\n
For the second time in his NHL career, Hischier played a full 82-game campaign, ending the season with 66 points \u2014 28 goals and 38 assists. Not only did he lead the club in goals, but he also had the team\u2019s lead in power-play goals, scoring 11 times on the man advantage. He recorded six game-winning goals, three of which were in overtime, while averaging 2.6 shots on goal and 20:43 ice time per game.<\/p>\n
Much like the rest of the team, Hischier started the season strong, with 10 points in October and 13 points in November. He found the back of the net for his first goal in the second game of the season, with two points in the Devils\u2019 5-3 win against the Tampa Bay Lightning. By the end of 2025-26, he\u2019d go on to have 18 multi-point games, including a seven-game point streak toward the end of March.<\/p>\n
Even though the Devils struggled in the second half of the season, Hischier still made an impact, finding his way onto the scoresheet night after night. For example, he made critical overtime plays in January, with game-winning goals against the Seattle Kraken and the Nashville Predators.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Then in February, he made his Olympic debut for Switzerland, playing a critical role in the team\u2019s initial success. In total, Hischier finished the tournament with four points in five games, which included a three-point game against Italy<\/a> that helped send Switzerland to the quarterfinals.<\/p>\n Hischier finished the season strong in New Jersey, with 24 points in the Devils\u2019 final 25 games. He ended 2025-26 as one of the team\u2019s leading contributors, making a difference with his two-way play, faceoff abilities, and solid defensive efforts.<\/p>\n Hischier\u2019s Impact for the Devils<\/p>\n Alongside teammate Jesper Bratt<\/a>, Hischier is the longest tenured player on the roster. This marked his ninth season in the NHL and his sixth as captain of the Devils. Since being drafted first overall in 2017, he\u2019s been a franchise cornerstone and generational talent \u2014 and this season was no different.<\/p>\n Hischier remains an elite 200-foot player, and his point production has been the Devils\u2019 saving grace more often than not. For the last five seasons, he\u2019s hit the 60-point mark, setting a career-high of 80 points in 2022-23, then a personal best of 35 goals in 2024-25. He\u2019s also made three playoff appearances throughout his career, earning 12 points across 22 games.<\/p>\n As an all-situations player, the team relies on Hischier to deliver in the faceoff circle, in front of the net, and on the Devils\u2019 special teams. And as always, he doesn\u2019t disappoint. In fact, he led the NHL<\/a> in both faceoffs taken (1,808) and faceoffs won (1,008) this season. He also had a total of 211 shots on goal<\/a>, 103 of which were high-danger, putting him in the 99th percentile among the league\u2019s forwards.<\/p>\n He logs significant minutes against opposing teams\u2019 top lines, offering solid defense while also maintaining a high point production. Hischier\u2019s work ethic and leadership are nothing short of commendable \u2014 especially when times get tough.\u00a0<\/p>\n Hischier\u2019s Future With the Devils<\/p>\n Hischier is entering the final season of his seven-year deal, which carries a $7.25 million cap hit<\/a>. He is eligible to sign an extension starting July 1, and it is expected that he will re-sign to another long-term contract. Now that Sunny Mehta has been named the next general manager (GM), extending the captain needs to be an offseason priority.\u00a0<\/p>\n Given his value to the team and his dependability, Hischier\u2019s new contract should have a much higher average annual value (AAV), possibly anywhere from $10-12 million. As an essential member of the Devils\u2019 roster, he needs to be locked into New Jersey\u2019s core for as long as possible.<\/p>\n Overall Grade<\/p>\n After an exceptional performance where he went above and beyond in 2025-26, Hischier\u2019s overall grade is an A+. He continues to be a catalyst for the Devils at both ends of the ice and kept the team afloat while dealing with a multitude of injuries. Likewise, he wears many hats for the team, all while serving as their top-line center. But even after all the challenges this season posed, his belief in the team never faltered, and he shared his thoughts during end-of-season interviews<\/a> last week. \u201cObviously, we\u2019re proving ourselves and showing what kind of team we could be, and I think that\u2019s why we\u2019ve got to hold on and try to be that over an 82-game season,\u201d said Hischier.<\/p>\n Hischier remains a premier forward for the Devils and is expected to play a major role in 2026-27. Should they compete for a playoff spot next season, there\u2019s no doubt that their captain will lead the way.<\/p>\n Free Newsletter<\/p>\n \n Get New Jersey Devils coverage delivered to your inbox <\/p>\n In-depth analysis, breaking news, and insider takes – free.<\/p>\n![\"Nico](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Nico-Hischier-Devils-7-1200x800.jpg\")
New Jersey Devils center Nico Hischier celebrates his goal against the Los Angeles Kings (Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images)<\/p>\n