The New Jersey Devils took center Nico Hischier with the first overall pick in the draft.
New Jersey took Hischier over Brandon Wheat Kings captain Nolan Patrick, which isn’t surprising as many had the 18-year-old center eclipsing Patrick. Hischier was rumored for months to have overtaken Patrick in the draft thanks to a strong showing at the world juniors and throughout the season with Halifax. It also marks the first Swiss player to be chosen #1 overall in the NHL Draft. Hischier’s stock had been rising throughout the season, and his pairing with Taylor Hall could produce one of the more lethal scoring threats in the league as he develops.
With the Moosehead, Hischier put up 86 points (38-48) in 57 games.