Would the New Jersey Devils Consider Trading Nico Hischier This Offseason?

With one year left on his contract, Nico Hischier is eligible for an extension. Is it possible that in the course of the season if the negotiations with the new managers do not go well?

The Chris Johnston Show: Chris Johnston, asked about the New Jersey Devils and whether they would consider trading forward Nico Hischier, who has a year left on his contract.

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Julien McKenzie: “I wonder if this is the summer where New Jersey is really trying to shake things up with some kind of trade. The fact that they’re losing Quinn Hughes, for example, maybe, he’s, he’s, he’s, he’s interested in doing something big.”

Johnston: “Well (Nico) Hischier is one year away from free agency, of course.”

McKenzie: “Okay. So, that’s what I’m suggesting. Like, if you don’t choose to extend Nico Hischier for whatever reason, that’s basically your trade, if
he wants to do well.”

Johnston: “And I think that’s what he’s looking for. You know, this is the way the whole average is changed for a player in this situation. And then, you know, I think the other, maybe the first order of business from a roster perspective, is to, you know, for the new leader in New Jersey to get an idea where that stands.

Is Hischier open to an extension? How much will it cost? Either you do that or you trade him. you know, me, I don’t think they can go into the duck year with him. I mean, no, it doesn’t sound like that’s going to be a new trend around the league.

I mean, if you look at all the upcoming pending UFAs, and that includes guys like Quinn, Quinn Hughes might be the exception, because he just came to Minnesota. He is one year old. But, you know, Cale Makar will be one year away from UFA this summer. I would expect, you know, I, obviously, just expect the Avalanche to sign him. I have no reason to believe you want to leave or want to test the market.

But it feels like of all the potential 2027 UFAS players, the summer of 2026 is huge. Either he signs an extension then or we talk about a trade. And of course I can say the same for the 2028 guys, including McDavid and Matthews and a bunch of others. So…”

McKenzie: “Let’s not jump ahead.”

Johnston: “Well, I mean the new way of things, though, it doesn’t seem like we’re going to see a lot of players, quality players, come UFA. But their UFA window kind of, a year before they hit the market. You know, it could be a trade or signing.”

McKenzie: “Considering that these moves were flying fast and furious, if there was a way, some of those extensions could be done now, I’m sure maybe some of those players would do that, instead of waiting for July 1.”

Johnston: “That’s right. So I think Hischier, Hischier’s decision is a lot sooner than we think, because, you know, he’s going to sign in New Jersey this summer. It doesn’t have to be July 1st. It could be July 5th or August 12th, whatever day he wants. But I think it has to go to signing or, you know, he’s cooperating.

And obviously, because he’s a, he’s a weak free agent. You know, center is a priority, and there’s a lot of key teams that want, you know, the type of player that, like, Hischier would be, I mean, he’s going to have a big, big value as a trade piece, if that’s how this ends up breaking down. “

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