The New Jersey Devils have long been viewed as one of the NHL’s most dangerous up-and-coming teams, loaded with young stars poised to become a true force in the Eastern Conference. While there have been flashes of that potential in recent years, it suddenly feels like major changes could be coming to a core that’s quietly been together for quite some time now.
Another injury to Jack Hughes certainly didn’t help, but even his return hasn’t stopped the bleeding. The Devils have gone 6-13-1 over their last 20 games, completely wasting an 8-1-0 start to the season. While the playoffs aren’t entirely out of reach, frustration has boiled over among the fanbase, and difficult questions are starting to surface — including whether Nico Hischier should be traded.
A humiliating 9-0 loss to the New York Islanders on Tuesday marked a new low, and in the aftermath, Hischier spoke up, imploring that a response would come on Thursday night in Pittsburgh. Instead, New Jersey delivered another lifeless effort in a 4-1 loss, with the captain held off the scoresheet for a third straight game.
That didn’t sit well with fans, and it’s sparked growing chatter about whether the Devils should consider shopping Hischier as early as this trade deadline.
“I think I’m okay shipping Nico out at the TDL. Might be an amazing player elsewhere, and the problems may be bigger than him (they are). But to pull the “response game” crap and then not even show up? Think you gotta start the blowup with him,”
Hischier is in the midst of a down year offensively, having produced only 32 points (12 goals, 20 assists) through 44 games played.
The 27-year-old is in the sixth season of the seven-year, $50.75 million extension he signed with the Devils back in 2019, eligible for an extension come July 1, 2026.
Could New Jersey Really Trade Nico Hischier?
It feels wild to imagine the Devils contemplating moving their captain, but at the same time, nobody saw this kind of season coming in New Jersey, so as Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman recently said, nothing can be ruled out.
What makes the idea of a trade at least somewhat plausible is the fact that Hischier is due for an extension as soon as this summer. If the organization isn’t willing to pay the hefty price tag he’ll be commanding, then it could be wise to scour the market and see what a return would look like.
A lot has to happen for that to come to fruition, and it’s much more likely to be a topic of conversation for the offseason. That being said, every ugly loss raises more questions, so if the Devils don’t snap out of their funk, uncomfortable decisions like this may become unavoidable.
Next: Pitched Trade Package for Jack Hughes Worth a Closer Look?
