Is Devils Captain Nico Hischier on His Way Out?

Apr 9, 2026; Newark, New Jersey, USA; New Jersey Devils center Nico Hischier (13) before the game against against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Luther Schlaifer-Imagn Images

New Jersey Devils captain Nico Hischier may be ending his tenure in Newark. The Devils draft Hischier first overall in 2017 and named him a captain in 2021. He has been a consistent scoring leader for the team, with 66 points this season (28 goals, 38 assists), and he hit a career-high 35 goals last season. With Sunny Mehta taking over as the new GM, and Hischier having one more year on his contract before becoming a UFA, the question of an extension has become essential for the Devils to address this offseason.

Rising Tensions in Jersey

The Devils have been no strangers to disappointment in recent seasons. Inconsistent goaltending, odd coaching decisions, and poor management have left the team struggling to make it to the playoffs for years. The Devils have only made the playoffs three times in the last nine seasons, or since Hischier’s rookie season. Out of those playoff runs, they have only made it to the second round once. 

Hischier’s frustrations with the team have become increasingly noticeable, especially as the Devils rounded out their season. After being shutout in their final game of the season against the Boston Bruins on April 14, Hischier called out his teammates for not playing their hardest and their low morale, stating that “if you’re checked out too early, then you shouldn’t be here.”