DitD & Open Post - 4/29/26: Nico Watch Edition

Devils Links

Nico Watch is on, and introductions have been made between new Devils GM Sunny Mehta and Nico Hischier’s agent. [The Hockey News] “There was a lot of negativity surrounding (Luke Hughes) on social media, with Hughes often referred to as Thanasis Antetokounmpo – insinuating he didn’t really belong and was getting special treatment because of his last name. Hughes responded after a reset during the Olympic break, dominating down the stretch. All in all, it was a fine but unspectacular campaign – but there were real positives beneath the surface. Let’s highlight a few.” [Infernal Access ($)] “For the most part, the Devils’ stars lived up to expectations. Jesper Bratt had another 70+ point season, produced at a 103-point pace, and Nico Hischier was Nico Hischier. It was mostly the supporting cast that brought down the Devils. Let’s look at which players had the most disappointing seasons.” [ ($)] “In many ways, I would expect to have a bounce-back season in 2026-27. I don’t think he was nearly as bad as the consensus does, he has a track record of being an above-average goalie, and the assets it would take to upgrade in net would not be worth the cost. For me, there are bigger fish to fry.” []