After the New Jersey Devils selected Nico Hischier with the first-overall pick in the NHL Draft, fans salivated at the potential matchups with the current forward crop. Miles Wood could see the best return with a pairing of the Swiss phenom.
The New Jersey Devils have an underrated crop of young forwards in the system right now. Most hockey fans might not be aware of how deep it is, from Michael McLeod to Pavel Zacha even to players still developing like Nathan Bastian and John Quenneville. Even ‘older’ players like Adam Henrique and Kyle Palmieri are currently in their prime. Then, there is one forward who everyone knows already, first-overall pick Nico Hischier.
Hischier rocketed up draft boards with great play in the biggest moments last season. He surpassed Nolan Patrick, who was the top pick in most people’s minds all season long. Hischier will likely show his worth this season when he cracks the Devils lineup at just 18 years old.
Much has been said about who Hischier will be paired with. Some say he should automatically start on the first line with Palmieri and Taylor Hall. Other want Henrique to move to the wing to make room for Hischier on the second line. When taking a hard look at the Devils forwards, one pairing that makes sense right now is Hischier and Miles Wood.
Wood had an up-and-down first season with the Devils. The 21 year old winger was a firecracker on the ice. He really hit his stride in January, scoring nine points from New Year’s Day to February 3rd. Unfortunately, after that he hit a wall.
Wood ended the season with just 17 total points in 60 games. The end of the season could just be the rookie wall, but Wood needs something to make sure it doesn’t happen again.
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Both Wood and Hischier will be at Devils developmental camp starting this week. There’s a lot of skill coming into this year’s camp. The competition will be better than it has been in years. That could bring Wood and Hischier together three months before playing a game that counts.
Wood’s advanced stats show his inconsistency last season. He was towards the bottom of the team in CorsiFor, Fenwick and others. On paper, many might think Wood and Hischier may not fit together, but that’s not the case.
Wood has multiple skills that will help Hischier develop and give him the confidence he needs to excel. For one, Wood proved himself to be a finisher at his best. Hischier will likely get most of the attention on their line, no matter who plays the other wing. Having a player you know can put the puck in the net will give Hischier more confidence passing to him.
Another reason to keep Wood on his line is he can fight. While fighting becomes less of a factor as the years pass, having someone who’s willing to drop the gloves who’s good enough to play with the speed of Hischier is something that can’t be ignored. Wood fought six times last season, taking on players like Wayne Simmonds, Colin Miller and Nick Holden.
One day, Hischier will be the Devils top center. He will hopefully help a storied franchise turn around it’s most disappointing run. Right now, Hischier needs to gain confidence as an NHL player. Wood can help him do that by protecting him and finishing for him. Wood needs to refind his scoring touch, and Hischier can help his do that. It’s a win-win.
Just imagine a Devils lineup that includes Hall, Palmieri and Travis Zajac on the first line, Henrique, Zacha and Marcus Johansson on the second, then Hischier, Wood and any of the Devils many talented young guns on the third line. It’s been a while since the Devils forwards looked this good.