With one year remaining on his contract, Nico Hischier is eligible for an extension. The question arises: could he be on the move this offseason if negotiations with the new management don’t go well?
During an appearance on “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 raised the point that the Devils might be looking to make significant changes this summer, especially after missing out on a player like Quinn Hughes. He suggested that if the Devils are not planning to extend Hischier for any reason, he represents their most valuable trade asset for a major deal.
Johnston agreed, noting that Hischier is one year away from free agency. He believes that the leverage has shifted entirely to the player in this situation. Therefore, he anticipates that one of the new management’s top priorities will be to determine Hischier’s intentions regarding an extension. They need to understand if he’s open to re-signing and what it would cost. If an extension can be finalized, great. If not, Johnston doesn’t envision the team entering a “lame duck” year with him, suggesting a trade is more likely.
Johnston also drew parallels to other high-profile players facing similar contract situations. He pointed out that for many players who could become unrestricted free agents in 2027, the summer of 2026 will be crucial. They will either sign an extension or be subject to trade talks. He sees this as a developing trend where top players are less likely to reach unrestricted free agency, with the year prior to hitting the market becoming a definitive trade or sign window.
McKenzie added that given the rapid pace of recent NHL transactions, some players might have preferred to sign extensions sooner rather than waiting until July 1st.
Johnston concluded that the decision regarding Hischier’s future will likely come sooner than many expect. He is either signing an extension with the Devils this summer (the exact date is flexible) or he is likely to be traded. Given the current market, which features a weaker free-agent class and a high demand for centers, Hischier would possess immense trade value for any team seeking a top-tier forward.
English Translation:
With the year left on his contract, Nico Hischier is extension eligible. 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 if they might consider trading forward Nico Hischier, who has one year remaining on his contract.
Julien McKenzie suggested that this might be the summer the New Jersey team looks to make significant changes through a trade. He speculated that after missing out on a player like Quinn Hughes, they might have an appetite for a big move.
Johnston pointed out that Hischier is one year away from free agency.
McKenzie agreed, hinting that if the Devils decide not to extend Nico Hischier for any reason, he becomes their centerpiece for a trade if they wish to make a significant deal.
Johnston stated that he believes this is what Hischier might want. He emphasized that all the leverage has shifted to the player in this circumstance. Therefore, he thinks one of the first priorities for the new leadership in New Jersey will be to understand where things stand. They need to determine if Hischier is open to an extension and what the cost would be. Either get that done, or they’re trading him. Johnston doesn’t imagine they would go into a “lame duck” year with him, suggesting that’s not a trend they’d likely follow in the league.
He also mentioned that looking at all the pending UFAs to come, including players like Quinn Hughes (though he might be an exception given his recent arrival in Minnesota and only one year left), and Cale Makar who will be one year from UFA this summer. Johnston expects the Avalanche to sign Makar and doesn’t believe he wants to test the market. However, he feels that for all players who could become 2027 UFAs, the summer of 2026 is crucial. It’s either signing an extension then or discussing a trade. He applies the same logic to players who could be 2028 UFAs, including stars like McDavid and Matthews.
McKenzie interjected, “Let’s not jump ahead.”
Johnston continued, explaining that the new approach in the league doesn’t seem to involve as many top players reaching unrestricted free agency. Their “UFA window” is effectively the year before they can hit the market, leading to a trade or sign scenario.
McKenzie commented that considering how quickly these moves have been happening, if there were opportunities for some of these extensions to be completed now, he’s sure some players would have done so instead of waiting for July 1st.
Johnston reiterated that he believes the Hischier decision will be made much sooner than people think. He will either be signing in New Jersey this summer (the exact date is flexible, could be July 5th, August 12th, or whenever he chooses), or he will likely be dealt. Johnston noted that because it’s a weaker free-agent class, and center is a premium position, many notable teams are looking for a frontline player like Hischier. He would have huge value as a trade piece if that’s how things end up unfolding.
