New Jersey Devils extend Nico Hischier with 5-year contract
The New Jersey Devils have locked up one of their core players.
Multiple reports have surfaced stating the Devils have agreed to a five-year contract extension with forward Nico Hischier, worth $12 million AAV. Hischier, 27, is entering the final year of his current deal, earning $7.2 million AAV, and July 1 was the first day he's eligible to sign an extension.
Hischier dressed in all 82 games for the Devils last season, scoring 28 goals and adding 38 assists for 76 points. He's one of the best two-way centers in the game and will continue to be a staple among their top six, along with Jack Hughes.Nico Hischier, extended 5x$12M by NJ, is a 1st line centre with a balanced all-around game. Great defensive stick, excellent in battles, clever in the inner slot, creative with the puck, and incredibly versatile. pic.twitter.com/sIMkpSy54c
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) July 1, 2026**Breaking News** 🚨 📰
— Kevin Weekes (@KevinWeekes) July 1, 2026
Per my initial report below, sources say language and details being worked on, C Hischier and @NJDevils closing in on a 5 Yr Contract Extension that lands just shy of $12M AAV. #HockeyX https://t.co/uyFYBYdiYL
The Devils are a team to watch as free agency opens, and it's more so on the trade market. After dealing Jacob Markstrom to the Florida Panthers, there's been multiple reports stating the Devils are going hard after Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. The Devils have already moved defenceman Simon Nemec, so they're loaded with trade assets to dangle to the Jets. The only issue is, Winnipeg wants a win-now type of package in return for Hellebuyck and GM Kevin Cheveldayoff isn't interested in a draft pick/prospect-laden deal.
We'll see where the day takes us, but don't sleep on the Devils - they're involved in a lot of big trade talks entering free agency.
