- Pierre LeBrun says Nico Hischier’s extension talks with the Devils are “over the hump”
- A deal should be announced soon after Hischier becomes eligible to sign on July 1
- Read below for the term compromise, the projected money and Hischier’s numbers
Nico Hischier’s next contract is almost done.
Pierre LeBrun reported in his latest Rumblings for The Athletic on Friday that talks on a Hischier extension are “over the hump” on the meaty part of negotiations. He expects a deal to get announced soon after the Devils captain becomes eligible to sign on July 1.
The holdup was term. New Jersey wanted a long, max-length deal. Hischier’s camp, led by agent Allain Roy, pushed for something shorter to start. LeBrun says the two sides found middle ground.
Hischier can’t actually sign until July 1 because he still has a year left on his current contract. That deal was a seven-year pact worth $50.75 million at a $7.25 million cap hit, and it runs out after the 2026-27 season.
The number is going up. When the talks first opened, the expectation was a medium-term deal in the $11-13 million range. A raise of that size would make the captain one of the highest-paid players in the league.
Hischier’s value to the Devils goes well past the scoresheet. Teammate Brett Pesce summed up how the room feels about the captain:
The 27-year-old has been a Devil since New Jersey took him first overall in 2017. He scored 28 goals and 66 points in 82 games last season, his first full slate since his rookie year.
Once the calendar flips to July, New Jersey can finally make it official.
