The New Jersey Devils announced Wednesday they have agreed to a five-year, $58.5 million contract extension with captain Nico Hischier, ensuring the forward remains with the team through the 2031-32 season.
The new deal will commence at the start of the 2027-28 NHL season, following the final year of Hischier's current contract, which carries an annual salary of $7.5 million.
Hischier, the first overall pick in the 2017 NHL Draft, has been a cornerstone for the Devils since his debut. He played in all 82 games last season, recording 66 points and leading the team with 28 goals. This performance marked him as one of seven players in franchise history to achieve five or more seasons with at least 60 points. Over 609 games with New Jersey, Hischier has amassed 488 points, ranking sixth on the franchise's all-time scoring list.
"Since the day he was drafted as the number one overall pick in 2017, Nico Hischier has represented the New Jersey Devils with class, commitment, and a dedication to the community," owner David Blitzer stated. "When I took this job, I knew that Nico was one of the core pieces that I definitely wanted as part of our future," added general manager Sunny Mehta. "The way he plays the game, his leadership, and selflessness are qualities we value for this team. We all look forward to him leading this franchise, on and off the ice, for years to come."
The extension comes after a period of speculation regarding Hischier's future with the team, particularly following a disappointing 2025-26 season that saw the Devils finish with a 42-37-3 record. While trading the captain could have yielded significant assets for a team that has underperformed in recent seasons, the Devils opted to retain him.
Hischier will now be under contract two seasons beyond the expiration of Jack Hughes' current deal.