The New Jersey Devils are reportedly keen on finalizing a contract extension for their captain, Nico Hischier, this offseason. With one year remaining on his current deal at a $7.25 million cap hit, the Devils and Hischier’s agent have begun preliminary discussions. It’s unlikely the team would want to enter the next season without a new agreement in place. Should Hischier become available on the trade market, teams like the Los Angeles Kings, Minnesota Wild, and Montreal Canadiens are expected to show strong interest, with potentially a dozen other teams also vying for his services, given his caliber and the rarity of such players becoming available.
Both the Devils and Hischier will need to find common ground on a contract figure and ensure Hischier is aligned with the team’s future direction. Hischier’s performance and commitment will be key factors in negotiations.
Meanwhile, speculation surrounds the Columbus Blue Jackets’ plans for the upcoming NHL Entry Draft. With the 14th overall pick in hand, and a desire to accelerate their competitiveness after missing the playoffs again, the Blue Jackets might be considering a trade to move up in the first round. Steven Ellis of Daily Faceoff suggests that the Blue Jackets could be a prime candidate to make a significant draft-day move.
Ellis highlights that while the Blue Jackets possess the 14th pick, their prospect pipeline isn’t considered top-tier, and some recent acquisitions haven’t met expectations. Players like Kent Johnson’s development and the departure of David Jiricek leave gaps to fill. The team may look to bolster their offensive weaponry or add goaltending depth, even after addressing it last year. To truly make an impact, the Blue Jackets might need to package their current pick, potentially along with assets like Kent Johnson, to secure a selection within the top 10, which is seen as an intriguing starting point for discussion.
