Devils Captain Nico Hischier Makes Bold Prediction for His Team in 2022-23

As the NHL Media Tour rolls on in Paris, we get to hear from all the league's best and brightest European players, learning more and more about the players we love to watch. Nico Hischier, captain of the New Jersey Devils, has led a rocky career so far, but his poise under duress coupled with his natural predisposition for leadership led to him being trusted with the 'C' at just 22 years old; making him one of the youngest captains in NHL history.

In a Q&A with the NHL's Tom Gullitti, Nico Hischier had lofty words for his team, suggesting that the playoffs are well within reach, and with the acquisitions made by GM Tom Fitzgerald & staff, the Devils captain expects just that:

According to StatMuse.com, the Devils were the fifth-most injured team in the NHL in '21-22. Contextually, they missed 20 or more games from key players such as Jack Hughes, Dougie Hamilton, Mackenzie Blackwood, Jonathan Bernier, and Miles Wood, who missed all but three games after undergoing hip surgery. Every team battles injuries, fair enough, but factoring in the Devils were the youngest team in the NHL last season and relied on 4th and 5th string goalies most of the year, it is safe to say most teams would struggle to win games under similar circumstances.

Hischier was candid about his personal struggles as well as the team's performances the past couple of seasons. Plagued by a combination of injuries and a revolving door of less-than-ideal talent, many question Hischier's ability to lead. But that doesn't bother Switzerland's highest drafted player in NHL history:

The team has failed to make the postseason for four straight seasons. Hischier's rookie season was exceptional, amassing 52 points in all 82 regular season games, including a goal in five playoff matches. He took major steps last season, scoring 60 points in 70 games, outscoring the likes of Mat Barzal, Patrice Bergeron, Anze Kopitar, and Roope Hintz at 5v5. If the Devils' powerplay can be even slightly better, Hischier could be in for an 80-point campaign, which would certainly aid in his team's plight for the postseason.

The Devils have a lot to feel great about, but until we see it on the ice, all the upside in the world means little. That said, if I was a betting man, I would expect a big season out of Hischier, and frankly the rest of the team as well. The Metro Division will not be much easier than it was last year, however, so the Devils will have to dethrone one of the several powerhouses in the division.

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