'We’ll see what happens,' Nico Hischier creates uncertainty around his future with the Devils

Apr 08, 2026 - 17:47

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'We’ll see what happens,' Nico Hischier creates uncertainty around his future with the Devils originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

It's been a rough week for the New Jersey Devils. On Sunday, the organization parted ways with GM Tom Fitzgerald, and on Tuesday, they were officially eliminated from playoff contention.

The Devils' post-season hopes were shattered when they lost 5-1 against the Philadelphia Flyers, and the Ottawa Senators earned at least one point in their 6-2 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Before New Jersey's game against the Flyers, Devils captain Nico Hischier spoke to the media, and his reaction to the Fitzgerald news has caught the attention of the fans.

Hischier was asked about his future with the Devils following the team's direction and the aftermath of letting go of Fitzgerald. His answer raised questions and concerns.

"I’m focusing on playing hockey here," Hischier told reporters. "I still have one more year. So I’m with the Devils right now, and then we’ll see what happens."

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The 27-year-old is in the sixth year of a seven-year contract that he signed in October 2019. He earns $7.25 million per season and is eligible to sign a contract extension with New Jersey as early as July 1.

His contract also includes a modified no-trade clause, rather than the full no-move clause that several stars in the NHL have attached to their deals. For this season and next season, the Swiss center has a 10-team no-trade list.

This is Hischier's ninth NHL season since being selected first overall in the 2017 draft. However, if the Devils put up another disappointing campaign and hang around the bottom of the Eastern Conference once again, there could be some more changes coming to the organization.

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Hischier's comments provide flexibility for his future, as he didn't take a firm stance on whether he would be part of the Devils in the long run. Should New Jersey be another selling team, whoever their new GM is, may consider moving the captain in exchange for a healthy return of assets.

However, with the talent up front, including Jack Hughes, Jesper Bratt, Timo Meier, and others, there's a world in which this season is just a one-off for the Devils, and they return to the competitive playoff team everyone expected them to be this year.