Devils Share Good News on Injured Nico Hischier

The New Jersey Devils are set to return to action following the 4 Nations Face-Off and could very well be getting their injured star forward back on Saturday against the Dallas Stars.

Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe explained that captain Nico Hischier is on track to play tomorrow, but will discuss with Hischier and the medical staff before making a final decision.

“We got to see exactly where he’s at. That’s been the plan [to play Saturday], building him up toward playing,” Keefe told the media after Friday’s practice. “I’ll have a conversation with him and, most importantly, the medical people just to make sure that they’re on the same page and that he’s okay, but he’s got through some hard and competitive practices, which is a very good sign, and we’ll just see where he’s at tomorrow.”

The Devils returned to practice on Tuesday, and Hischier has been taking regular reps all week.

While all signs point to Hischier suiting up Saturday night, it sounds like Keefe and the medical staff will reevaluate him one last time before the team embarks on the final 25-game stretch.

Hischier was in his usual spot during Friday’s practice, centering Timo Meier and Stefan Noesen, further hinting at his return.

The Devils went 3-3-0 in the six games Hischier missed prior to the 4 Nations Face-Off break, and have sorely missed Hischier’s 200-foot game and goal scoring ability.

He is tied with Jack Hughes for the team lead in goals, with 24, and his return will provide a much-needed boost down the center of the ice.

Hischier also leads the Devils with a 55.5% face-off win percentage and is a key contributor on both the first power play and penalty kill units.

The Devils resume play with a back-to-back: at home against Dallas and then on the road against the Nashville Predators, the first game of a five-game road trip against Western Conference opponents.

The Devils and Stars drop the puck at 6 P.M. EST on Saturday.