Nico Hischier Bio
Nico Hischier (born 4 January 1999) is a Swiss professional ice hockey player who is a centre and captain for the New Jersey Devils of the National Hockey League (NHL). Hischier made his professional debut in his native Switzerland in 2015, spending time both in the top-tier National League A (NLA) and the second-tier National League B. He moved to North America for the 2016–17 season to play major junior hockey for the Halifax Mooseheads of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) in hopes of furthering his hockey career; in his first season in the QMJHL, he was named rookie of the year, along with the award for best rookie in the Canadian Hockey League (CHL). Regarded as a strong two-way forward and a top prospect for the 2017 NHL entry draft, Hischier was selected first overall by the Devils, the first time a Swiss player was selected first overall, and made his NHL debut in 2017. He was named captain of the Devils in 2021.
Early Life and Background
Nico Hischier was born in Brig, Switzerland, where he grew up in a family of athletes. His father, Rino, played football for FC Naters, and his mother, Katja, worked as a sports teacher. Hischier is the youngest of three siblings, with an older brother, Luca, who plays for Genève-Servette HC, and a sister, Nina, who played volleyball at a high level in Switzerland. Growing up, there were no ice rinks in Naters, so Katja took both her sons to nearby Visp to learn to skate, where they discovered hockey. Hischier also played football until he was 12 but eventually focused exclusively on hockey, following in his brother’s footsteps.
Path to Hockey
Hischier began his hockey career in the EHC Visp program, where he developed his skills as a young player. At the age of 15, he moved to Bern to join SC Bern, allowing him to play at the top levels of the Swiss under-17 and under-20 leagues. He made his professional debut in the 2015–16 season with EHC Visp in the National League B, where he showcased his talent and potential. Hischier’s performance caught the attention of scouts, leading to his selection by the Halifax Mooseheads in the 2016 Canadian Hockey League Import Draft.
Nico Hischier Career
Early Career (2015–2017)
Hischier’s first notable work in professional hockey came during the 2015–16 season when he played for SC Bern and EHC Visp. His transition to major junior hockey with the Halifax Mooseheads marked a significant step in his career. In his rookie season with the Mooseheads, he finished second in team scoring and led all QMJHL rookies in goals and points, earning him the RDS Cup for being the QMJHL Rookie of the Year and the Michael Bossy Trophy as the best professional prospect in the league. Hischier’s impressive performance in the QMJHL solidified his status as a top prospect for the 2017 NHL entry draft.
Breakthrough (2017–Present)
Nico Hischier was selected with the first overall pick in the 2017 NHL entry draft by the New Jersey Devils, making history as the first Swiss player to be drafted first overall. He signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Devils shortly after the draft. Hischier made his NHL debut on 7 October 2017 against the Colorado Avalanche, recording his first point in his second game and finishing his rookie season with 52 points, helping the Devils secure their first playoff berth since 2012. In his sophomore season, he continued to develop, finishing with 47 points in 69 games despite the team’s struggles.
Notable Works and Milestones
Hischier’s career has been marked by significant achievements, including being named captain of the New Jersey Devils in 2021, making him the youngest captain in the league. In the 2022–23 season, he reached a career high with 31 goals, 49 assists, and 80 points, earning a nomination for the Frank J. Selke Trophy for his defensive skills.
Nico Hischier Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Nico Hischier has received several award nominations, including the Frank J. Selke Trophy, recognizing his contributions as a two-way player.
Nico Hischier Awards Won
Hischier has achieved notable recognition in his career, including being named the QMJHL Rookie of the Year and the best rookie in the Canadian Hockey League during his time in major junior hockey.
Nico Hischier Family
Nico Hischier comes from a family of athletes, with his father having played football and his siblings also involved in sports. His brother, Luca, currently plays professional hockey, while his sister, Nina, has a background in volleyball.
Personal Life
Hischier is known to be an avid supporter of Premier League club Manchester City F.C. After the 2018–19 season, he began his civic military service process in Switzerland.
