Anaheim DucksBoston BruinsBuffalo SabresCalgary FlamesCarolina HurricanesChicago BlackhawksColorado AvalancheColumbus Blue JacketsDallas StarsDetroit Red WingsEdmonton OilersFlorida PanthersLos Angeles KingsMinnesota WildMontreal CanadiensNashville PredatorsNew Jersey DevilsNew York IslandersNew York RangersOttawa SenatorsPhiladelphia FlyersPittsburgh PenguinsSan Jose SharksSeattle KrakenSt. Louis BluesTampa Bay LightningToronto Maple LeafsUtah Hockey ClubVancouver CanucksVegas Golden KnightsWashington CapitalsWinnipeg Jets

Devils’ Nico Hischier Named Alternate Captain for Switzerland at Worlds

Donnah C. 2 min read NJD

Team Switzerland unveiled its leadership team ahead of the 2026 IIHF World Championship today. The tournament will be held in Zurich and Fribourg, Switzerland, from May 15–31. Unsurprisingly, included in that group is New Jersey Devils’ captain, Nico Hischier.

He will wear an “A,” alongside Sven Andrighetto, Janis Moser, and Nino Niederreiter, with Roman Josi serving as captain. Hischier will also be joined by teammate Timo Meier, but the “Swiss Trio” will be incomplete this year, as Jonas Siegenthaler has been sidelined with an undisclosed injury.

Hischier served as an alternate captain for Switzerland at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy in February, where he recorded a goal and three assists across five games. He also wore an “A” for his home country at the 2025 World Championship, but played just four games before sitting out the rest of the tournament with a muscular injury.

Nico Hischier, Team Switzerland, 2026 Winter Olympics
Feb 12, 2026; Milan, Italy; Nico Hischier of Switzerland in action with Enzo Cantagallo of France during a Group A men’s ice hockey game during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

He finished the 2025-26 season, his ninth in the NHL, as the Devils’ leading goal scorer, notching 28 goals and 66 points. Once again, he proved to be a stabilizing presence as the team dealt with countless injuries, losing streaks, and scoring slumps.

Related: Pundits Suggest Blockbuster Trade Sending Maple Leafs’ Matthews to Devils · New Jersey Devils’ 2025-26 Report Cards: Jacob Markstrom · New Jersey Devils’ 2025-26 Report Cards: Timo Meier

Through every difficulty, Hischier stood out due to his elite two-way play and defensive expertise. He averaged 2.33 points per 60 minutes, per Natural Stat Trick. He even increased his physical presence in 2025-26, setting a career-high in both hits (58) and blocked shots (62).

Hischier is expected to play a similar role as the top-line center in his seventh appearance at Worlds. Team Switzerland took home back-to-back silver medals in 2024 and 2025, but expect them to be on the hunt for gold this year.

As the 2026 World Championship unfolds later this month, be sure to follow The Hockey Writers for all the latest news and updates.

Free Newsletter

Get New Jersey Devils coverage delivered to your inbox

In-depth analysis, breaking news, and insider takes - free.

Subscribe Free →

More From This Category

Donnah Campbell

Donnah Campbell

Donnah Campbell is a contributor for The Hockey Writers' New Jersey Devils team. She is a graduate of Rowan University, with the utmost passion and respect for hockey. This is her second season covering the Devils, but she also creates hockey-related social media content. For additional Devils hockey coverage, you can follow her @donnah_13 on X.

More by Donnah Campbell →
The Hockey Writers THE HOCKEY WRITERS
▲