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The New Jersey Devils signed center Nico Hischier, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 NHL draft, to a maximum three-year, entry-level contract worth $925,000 per season, the team announced Saturday. The 18-year-old Hischier took part in a scrimmage in front of Devils' season-ticket holders on the final day of development camp at the Barnabas Health Hockey House in Newark, N.J.
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"He's been everything I had hoped he would be," Devils general manager Ray Shero told reporters Saturday of the left-shooting forward. "I know this isn't an evaluation but certainly his on-ice skill set is really fun to watch.
"He's a really respectful kid and the way he carries himself I think is really nice to see and he has interacted well with the younger players and the veterans that came in. That's his upbringing, but it's been a great learning week for him and it's been nice to see the type of person he is as well."
Hischier was selected by New Jersey at last month's draft in Chicago, the first time the Devils had the No. 1 pick in team history. He is the only Swiss-born player to be selected with the top pick in NHL history.
In 2016-17 with Halifax of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, Hischier led all rookies with 86 points (38 goals, 48 assists) in 57 regular-season games and added three goals and four assists in six playoff contests. He was named CHL and QMJHL Rookie of the Year, QMJHL Offensive Rookie of the Year, a member of the QMJHL All-Rookie Team, and was awarded with the Mike Bossy Trophy as the QMJHL's Best Professional Prospect.
During the second day of draft, Hischier was named the 2017 recipient of the E.J. McGuire Award of Excellence, which is given to the candidate who best exemplifies the commitment to excellence through strength and character, competitiveness and athleticism.
The Brig, Switzerland, native led his home country with seven points at the 2017 IIHF World Junior Championships.
