The New Jersey Devils are reportedly initiating preliminary contract extension talks with their star forward, Nico Hischier. With one year remaining on his current deal, carrying a $7.25 million cap hit, the Devils’ management aims to secure Hischier’s future with the team this offseason. Should he become available, teams like the Los Angeles Kings, Minnesota Wild, and Montreal Canadiens, along with approximately a dozen other NHL franchises, would likely express significant interest in acquiring the highly sought-after player.
The success of these negotiations will hinge on finding a contract agreement that satisfies both Hischier and the Devils’ organization, ensuring Hischier feels confident about the team’s future direction.
Meanwhile, speculation suggests the Columbus Blue Jackets might be considering a move up in the first round of the upcoming NHL Entry Draft. Despite missing the playoffs again, the organization harbors optimism. With the No. 14 overall pick, the Blue Jackets may explore options to trade their selection to climb higher in the draft, aiming for a player who can make an immediate impact and accelerate their competitive timeline. This potential strategy could involve packaging their pick with assets like forward Kent Johnson to secure a top-10 selection.
The Blue Jackets’ current roster and prospect pool indicate potential needs in various areas, including offensive weaponry and possibly additional goaltending depth, making a draft day trade a plausible scenario to address these gaps and inject new talent into the organization.
Nico Hischier Extension Talks and Columbus Blue Jackets’ Draft Strategy
New Jersey Devils Initiate Preliminary Extension Talks with Nico Hischier
The New Jersey Devils are expected to prioritize securing a contract extension for forward Nico Hischier during the offseason. Hischier, 27, has one year left on his current contract with a $7.25 million cap hit. The Devils’ general manager, Sunny Mehta, recently held initial discussions with Hischier’s agent, Allain Roy. It is unlikely the Devils would want to enter the next season without a finalized extension in place.
If Hischier were to become available on the trade market, teams such as the Los Angeles Kings, Minnesota Wild, and Montreal Canadiens would likely be among the interested parties. It’s anticipated that around twelve additional teams would also show interest, as players of Hischier’s caliber are rarely available.
For an extension to be reached, the Devils and Hischier must agree on financial terms, and Hischier must be satisfied with the team’s developmental trajectory.
Columbus Blue Jackets Potentially Looking to Trade Up in the First Round
According to insights from Tyler Kuehl of Daily Faceoff, Steven Ellis suggests that the Columbus Blue Jackets might be a team willing to trade their first-round draft pick. Despite another playoff-less season, there is a sense of optimism surrounding the Blue Jackets. They hold the No. 14 overall pick and could consider using it to move up in the draft order.
Ellis commented, “I think a team that wants to make a splash and be competitive sooner rather than later, and I think one team that I would watch is the Columbus Blue Jackets. They got the No. 14 pick. Team picking there, you’d think they’d be a bit more competitive, and then their pipeline would be good, but honestly, their pipeline’s not that great. Let’s not forget, Kent Johnson hasn’t been the player I think a lot of people expected him to be. They already moved on from David Jiricek. They’ve got some holes to fill out there. Obviously, Jet Greaves is that No. 1 goalie. Do they want to get some extra goaltending depth? I think they addressed that last year, but you could always use a bit more goalie depth. Could they go out there and use a bit more offensive weapons? 100%. So at 14, I don’t think you’re getting a guy that’s going to really move the needle in a big way. I think that’s something where if they could find a way to move up, if it’s 14 and Kent Johnson to get into the top 10, I think that’s at least an intriguing starting point.”
