For nearly a decade, Nico Hischier has been the centerpiece of the New Jersey Devils’ rebuilding era. Drafted first overall in 2017, the Swiss center quickly became the face of the franchise and later the team’s captain. His leadership, two-way ability, and consistency have made him one of the most important players in the organization.
However, a significant milestone is slowly approaching. Hischier’s current contract expires at the end of the 2026-27 season, which would make him an unrestricted free agent in 2027 if a new deal is not reached before then.
That reality means the Devils may soon face a major decision: extend their captain long term, or risk losing one of the most important players in franchise history to free agency. While the most likely outcome remains a contract extension in New Jersey, the team’s inconsistent success during Hischier’s tenure could complicate things.
For a player who has become the heartbeat of the Devils franchise, the coming seasons could determine not only the next chapter of his career but also the long-term trajectory of the team itself.
Hischier’s Contract Timeline
In October 2019, Hischier signed a seven-year, $50.75 million contract extension with the Devils, carrying a $7.25 million annual cap hit.
The deal was viewed as a cornerstone move for a rebuilding franchise that believed Hischier would be part of its long-term foundation. The contract also includes a modified ten-team no-trade clause, further emphasizing the team’s commitment to him as a central piece of its future.
When the extension was signed, Hischier was only 20 years old and already viewed as a leader within the organization. At just 22 years old, he was named the 12th captain in Devils’ franchise history.
A Talented Player and Complete Center
Since entering the NHL, Hischier has firmly established himself as one of the league’s premier two-way centers. Over 589 career games, he has accumulated 191 goals and 467 points, consistently ranking among the top three point-getters on his team season after season. But Hischier’s value extends far beyond his offensive production — he is widely regarded as one of the most complete players in the game.
Hischier’s defensive prowess has not gone unnoticed. He is frequently assigned to the toughest defensive matchups, often facing the opposition’s top lines and shutting down elite scorers. He excels in all aspects of the game, including special teams, key faceoffs, and driving possession across all three zones. His exceptional two-way play earned him recognition as a Selke Trophy finalist during the 2022-23 season, awarded to the best defensive forward, highlighting his status as one of the league’s best all-around players.
This season, Hischier leads the NHL in faceoffs won with 1,341 and maintains an impressive 55.5% win rate. These numbers illustrate not only his skill but also his consistency in controlling the pace of the game and giving his team a critical advantage at both ends of the ice.
While players such as Jack Hughes, Jesper Bratt, and Luke Hughes represent the exciting future of the Devils, Hischier remains the stabilizing force who connects the team’s offense, defense, and leadership. He embodies the identity of the Devils, setting the standard for work ethic, versatility, and accountability on every shift.
Devils’ Mixed Success During Hischier’s Tenure
Despite Hischier’s strong individual play, the Devils have struggled to maintain consistent success throughout the duration of his career in red and black.
Since his debut in 2017, the team has only reached the playoffs twice during his tenure. Several seasons have ended outside the postseason picture, often due to defensive inconsistencies, injuries, or unstable goaltending.
For a player who has spent his entire career with one organization, that kind of inconsistency can eventually raise questions about the long-term direction of the team.
Throughout the NHL, it’s common for star players to leave their original franchises in free agency when championship opportunities elsewhere seem more attainable. In today’s league, players in their late 20s often weigh contending for a Stanley Cup as a top priority in their career decisions.
With that in mind, it’s certainly conceivable that Hischier could explore opportunities with another team in pursuit of a championship. Yet given his deep connection to the organization, the city, and the team he has helped build, it’s difficult to envision Hischier wearing any jersey other than that of the Devils.
Why New Jersey Still Makes Sense
The organization has built a strong young core around Hischier, highlighted by Jack Hughes, one of the league’s most dynamic offensive players. The team also has talented wingers like Bratt and Timo Meier, along with promising young defensemen such as Luke Hughes and Simon Nemec.
If the Devils can stabilize their goaltending and defensive structure, the roster has the potential to compete consistently in the Eastern Conference.
Related: What the Devils Must Do to Become a Consistently Winning Team
Another important factor is Hischier’s connection to the franchise. He has spent his entire NHL career in New Jersey, developed into a leader there, and helped guide the team through both rebuilding years and playoff pushes.
Players who become franchise captains often remain with their teams for the majority of their careers, particularly when they are deeply embedded in the organization’s culture.
For those reasons, a long-term extension between Hischier and the Devils still appears to be the most likely outcome.
What Hischier’s Next Contract Could Look Like
When Hischier signed his current contract in 2019, a $7.25 million cap hit was considered a strong but fair deal for a young top-six center. Since then, the NHL salary cap has grown, and by the time Hischier reaches free agency in 2027, elite two-way centers of his caliber are expected to command significantly higher annual salaries. If he maintains his current level of performance — and continues to dominate at both ends of the ice — his next contract could easily approach the $11 million per season range.
Undoubtedly, general manager Tom Fitzgerald will make keeping Hischier a top priority. Fitzgerald has already demonstrated his commitment to retaining the Devils’ core, as seen in the hard-fought negotiations to secure Luke Hughes earlier this season. For the organization, Hischier is more than a top-line center — he is the team’s captain, its identity, and the cornerstone around which the Devils’ future is being built. Any front office would recognize that losing him would be a seismic blow, both on and off the ice.
The Possibility of Hischier Signing With Another Team
Still, free agency always brings an element of uncertainty. If the Devils fail to significantly improve next season and begin winning games consistently, there is little doubt that other teams around the NHL would aggressively pursue Hischier. Centers who can contribute offensively, excel defensively, and serve as respected leaders in the locker room rarely reach unrestricted free agency in the prime of their careers. For contending teams searching for a complete, reliable center, Hischier would represent an ideal addition to a championship-caliber roster.
While that outcome is far from guaranteed, it underscores just how important the closing stretch of the 2025-26 season and the urgency of the 2026-27 campaign will be for the organization. The direction the Devils take during the final years of Hischier’s contract could ultimately shape his long-term future with the team.
If New Jersey can establish itself as a consistent playoff contender and take meaningful steps toward Stanley Cup contention, keeping their captain long-term should be a straightforward decision for both sides. Stability, leadership, and a winning environment would naturally align with Hischier’s commitment to the franchise he has helped lead.
However, if the team continues to struggle or falls short of expectations, the possibility of Hischier exploring the open market in 2027 could quickly become one of the NHL’s most compelling storylines. A player of his status would undoubtedly draw interest from teams eager to add a proven leader and elite two-way center to their lineup.
For now, Hischier remains the heartbeat of the Devils’ roster and a cornerstone of the team’s identity. Whether that future continues in New Jersey beyond 2027 may ultimately come down to one simple question: Can the Devils transform their talented roster into a consistent winner before their captain reaches free agency?
