With Nico Hischier having one year remaining on his contract and being eligible for an extension, there’s speculation he could be traded this offseason if negotiations with the new management don’t go well.
During “The Chris Johnston Show,” Chris Johnston discussed the New Jersey Devils and the potential for trading forward Nico Hischier, who has a year left on his current deal.
Julien McKenzie suggested that the Devils might be looking to make significant changes this summer, especially after missing out on a player like Quinn Hughes, which could lead to a desire to “do something big.”
Johnston pointed out that Hischier is entering the final year before free agency. McKenzie then mused that if the team decides not to extend Nico Hischier for any reason, he would become the primary trade asset if they want to make a significant move.
Johnston believes that Hischier likely wants certainty regarding his future, and with the leverage shifting to the player, it’s a top priority for the new leadership in New Jersey to understand his stance. The question is whether Hischier is open to an extension and at what cost. If a deal isn’t reached, trading him seems probable, as the team is unlikely to want to enter a “lame duck” year with him.
This situation mirrors a broader trend in the league where top players are less likely to reach unrestricted free agency. For players like Hischier, the year before they can hit the market becomes a crucial period for either signing an extension or being traded. Johnston anticipates that the decision regarding Hischier will come sooner rather than later. He could sign an extension with New Jersey this summer, or he might be dealt.
Given that the upcoming free agent class is considered weak, and center is a premium position, Hischier would hold immense value as a trade piece for any team seeking a front-line player.
English Translation:
With Nico Hischier having one year left on his contract and being eligible for an extension, the question arises: could he be on the move this offseason if talks with new management don’t go well?
On “The Chris Johnston Show,” Chris Johnston was asked about the New Jersey Devils and whether they might consider trading forward Nico Hischier, who has a year remaining on his contract.
Julien McKenzie commented, “I wonder if this is the summer where New Jersey tries to really shake things up with some kind of trade. The fact that you lose out on a Quinn Hughes, for example, you maybe, you’re, you’re, you have an appetite to do something big.”
Johnston responded, “Well, [Nico] Hischier’s one year from free agency, right.”
McKenzie elaborated, “Right. So, like, that’s, that’s what I’m that’s what I’m kind of hinting at. Like, if you are not choosing to extend Nico Hischier, for whatever reason, that is your centerpiece in a trade if you want to do well.”
Johnston added, “And I think it’s what he wants. You know, this is where all the leverage has shifted to the player in this circumstance. And so, you know, I think one of the, probably the first order of business from a roster standpoint, is, you know, for the new leader in New Jersey to get a sense of where that stands.
Is Hischier open to an extension? What’s it going to cost? Either get that done, or you’re trading him. You know, I, I don’t imagine they would go into a lame duck year with him. I mean, it just doesn’t feel like that’s going to be the new trend around the league.
Johnston continued, drawing parallels with other star players approaching free agency. He noted that for many players who could become 2027 UFAs, the summer of 2026 is crucial: either an extension is signed, or a trade is discussed. He applies the same logic to players who will be 2028 UFAs, including names like McDavid and Matthews.
McKenzie interjected, “Let’s not jump ahead.”
Johnston explained his point: “Well, I’m just saying, that’s the new way of things, though. It doesn’t seem like we’re going to see as many players, the top players, get to UFA. But sort of what their UFA window is, is the year before they can hit the market. You know, you it’s either a trade or sign scenario.”
McKenzie remarked, “Considering how these moves have been flying fast and furious, if there was a way, some of those extensions could have been done now, I’m sure maybe some of those players would have done that too, instead of waiting for July 1st.”
Johnston concluded, “Right. So I just think the Hischier, the Hischier decision is much sooner than we think, because, you know, he’s either signing in New Jersey this summer. Doesn’t have to be on July 1st. Could be July 5th or August 12th, or whatever day he wants. But I think it has to be moving towards a signing, or, you know, he’s likely being dealt.
And obviously, because it’s a, it’s a weak free agent class, you know, center is a premium position, and there’s a lot of notable teams out there that are looking for, you know, a front-line kind of player, like, like Hischier would be. I mean, he would have huge, huge value as a trade piece, if that’s the way this ends up breaking.”
