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Nico Hischier, New Jersey Devils (Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)

Devils’ Captain Nico Hischier Has Big Impact With Quiet Leadership

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers
By Devora Slonim | Last updated Aug 21, 2025 3:30 PM ET

When people talk about the New Jersey Devils, the conversation almost always circles back to Jack Hughes—the undeniable superstar of the franchise. However, conversations tend to gloss over the unsung hero in captain Nico Hischier, a quiet but dominant presence on and off the ice for the Devils.

While he doesn’t produce the highlight-reel moments of players such as Hughes or Jesper Bratt, he possesses the undeniable skill and two-way play that make him essential to the team’s success. His leadership style earns respect through consistency, accountability and a team-first mentality. He is the glue of the Devils’ roster, and has led the team out from under some of their worst seasons to their franchise best in 2022-23 and into serious conversations surrounding Stanley Cup contention.

Hischier’s Quiet Strength

In the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, Hischier made history as the first Switzerland-born player to be selected first overall. Since then, he has continued to surpass expectations and set new milestones. In his rookie season, he finished with 52 points (20 goals, 32 assists) and continued on an upward trajectory in ice time and points. In the 2020-21 season, Hischier was named the 12th captain in franchise history at just 22 years old. The move reflected the organization’s belief in his maturity, leadership qualities, and ability to serve as the face of the team. Hischier has always put an emphasis on the team before himself, stating to the NHLPA after receiving the captaincy, “I try and lead by example, playing the right way, doing the little things right and always putting the team in front of me. That’s what I’m trying to do. I always want to do wh at’s best for the team and not for me. That’s my mindset.”

And that’s exactly what he’s done.

Hischier’s leadership revolves around selflessness. His impact comes down to the subtler details like shouldering both the majority of the penalty-kill and power-play minutes, winning faceoffs, and serving as a key offensive-defensive player through all zones on the ice. On the man advantage, he absorbs cross-checks and deflections seemingly with ease, and had 60 blocks during the 2024-25 season. He led the team in goals (35), power-play goals (14), faceoff wins and faceoff win percentage (978, 55.5%). His ability to do both the little and big things right is what sets him apart. Hischier leads not by demanding the spotlight, but by prioritizing the team’s needs ahead of his own.

Hischier’s Growth as a Player

Ever since donning the “C”, Hischier has steadily grown into one of the league’s most reliable two-way players, reaching new milestones with each passing season. In 2022-23, he had a career season, putting up 80 points (31 goals, 49 assists) and averaging 19:17 of ice time (TOI). By the following season, he worked his way up to an average of 20:23 TOI, demonstrating the ability he has to play a complete game from the opening draw to the final shift. In October of last season, Hischier once again made his presence felt, becoming the first player in the NHL to reach 10 goals. True to form, he did so quietly, proving himself to be a steady but undeniable force.

In 2022-23, Hischier finished as a Selke Finalist, an award given to the forward who demonstrates the most skill in the defensive component of the game. In 2024-25, he received enough votes to secure fourth place, earning him recognition in his game and 11 first-place votes.

Throughout the growth of his career and the appreciation from fans, teammates, and coaches for the strengths he brings to the team, Hischier has never wavered in who he is as a person, remaining humble and grateful for the position he has rightfully earned. While he may not be the loudest player on the team, he regularly expresses his position as captain as a privilege, and uses it to continue to push his team to their full potential, driven by a relentless desire to win games and to perform at the highest level.

His teammates and coaches constantly agree. Hischier is “The driving train for [the] team,” Bratt said in an exclusive interview this past April. Bratt and Hischier have been playing together for the Devils since 2017, and have taken strides in their development as players since their first experiences at training camp. “You could see those tendencies right from the start,” Bratt said about Hischier. “He was so humble, such a great person, and a really hard-working guy right from the start… he wants this team to succeed and wants everyone to bring their A-game, too.”

Head coach Sheldon Keefe echoed Bratt’s praise, expressing how impressed he has been with the young captain during his first year as coach for the Devils. “I don’t know if I’ve given him an easy shift this season. He gets the hardest assignments every night, and to still contribute and produce the way that he has offensively with all those defensive assignments to me, he has helped make up a much-improved defensive team and an anchor for us that way.”

Hischier’s Influence on Devils Goes Beyond Statistics

Hischier’s captaincy, rooted in humility, resilience and example, echoes who he is on and off the ice. He leads with effort and empathy, earning trust from his coaches, teammates and the fans— when Hischier steps on the ice, a sense of confidence follows. He stands tall in high-pressure moments, and his dedication to the Devils organization is evident in his actions. He has grown into a leader who inspires through example and notably elevates those around him. His influence extends beyond statistics—he is actively shaping the culture, work ethic, and identity of the team.