Katja Hischier’s gentle touch to her heart showed her deep pride for her son, Nico Hischier, captain of the New Jersey Devils. Katja speaks softly — much like Nico’s — and her eyes light up whenever she talks about the teenager who left home at 16 and became a man thousands of miles away.
When Nico arrived in New Jersey in 2017, he was just 18, optimistic and carrying the weight of big NHL dreams. Now 25, Katja still sees “terrific maturity” in him — he’s calm and thoughtful, qualities most his age don’t always have. “He likes harmony. He is so calm,” she once said.
Eight years into his NHL journey, Nico has weathered a star player’s intense, fast-paced life. He’s moved constantly, led on the ice, and stayed steady off it. What strikes Katja most is his ability to stay grounded and humble. Whether under the spotlight in an arena or at home in Switzerland, he’s still the Nico shaped by her and her husband, Rino.
How Nico Hischier Leads the Devils With Heart, Humility and Homegrown Roots
In New Jersey, Hischier is the backbone of the Devils. He carries himself with the same grace whether talking to a veteran or a rookie. His passion, poise, and treatment of his teammates earn him respect.
“He wants all of them to feel they belong. Nico is good to all,” Katja said of her son’s relationship with teammates. “It’s not important to him if you are the president or a regular worker — you are all the same. He likes harmony. He is so calm.”
That sense of calm and fairness stays with him no matter how many games he plays. Back in Switzerland, surrounded by lakes and mountains, Hischier finds peace. Life slows down there.
That’s where he recharges, spending quality time with family. Katja treasures those visits, especially the quiet moments: cooking, watching TV, doing puzzles and having thoughtful talks.
This season, Katja joined the Devils’ Moms Trip, living the NHL life through Nico’s eyes — flying with the team, visiting places like Washington and seeing what a day in her son’s world looks like. The glitz of it didn’t matter to her. Sharing it all with Nico was the real gift.
Hischier Remains the Devils’ Backbone
As the Devils enter a pivotal offseason, the focus turns to building a roster that can contend for years. But the foundation is already here, quietly setting the tone behind the scenes and reshaping the team’s identity. That’s Nico Hischier.
His $7.25 million cap hit is among the league’s most valuable deals. The long-term gamble on Nico came back in 2019 under then-GM Ray Shero, and in today’s NHL, the value is even clearer. Hischier scored 35 goals this season and tallied 69 points, cementing his case as one of the league’s top two-way centers. His ability to stay composed and consistent makes him the player every coach wants.
While current GM Tom Fitzgerald has extended key young players like Jack Hughes, Jesper Bratt and Timo Meier through 2030, Hischier’s deal is nearing its end. He’ll be an unrestricted free agent in 2027, so assessing his future value is important.
The good news? The Devils have plenty of cap flexibility — $7.5 million for 2025-26, $8.5 million for 2026-27 and $9.5 million for 2027-28. With their core already signed, they’re in great shape to offer Nico a deal that reflects his production and leadership.
Hischier isn’t loud, but his impact is noticeable. He sets the standard. His discipline, work ethic and obsession with team chemistry drive everything. He’s helped create a locker room culture built on accountability and unity. His all-around play has lifted the team on both ends of the ice.
There’s a real bond between Hischier and the Devils jersey. Keeping him in that role as the franchise’s cornerstone should be at the top of the priority list moving forward.
