5 New Jersey Devils Players Who Could Win Awards This Season

5 New Jersey Devils Players Who Could Win Awards

MONTREAL, QC - SEPTEMBER 21: New Jersey Devils center Nico Hischier (13) celebrates with teammates during the second period of the NHL preseason game between the New Jersey Devils and the Montreal Canadiens on September 21, 2017, at the Bell Centre in Montreal, QC (Photo by Vincent Ethier/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images) /

1. Nico Hischier: Calder Trophy

This was obvious, was it not?

Nico Hischier is the number-one overall pick in this past year’s draft. Coming off seasons where Auston Matthews and Connor McDavid made huge contributions in their first seasons, Nico will have more expectations than usual rookies.

Hischier is already showing he’s NHL ready. He played extremely well in the preseason. His play gave him the opportunity to rocket up the lineup, and even knocked Adam Henrique to third-line center. He will center a line likely made up of Drew Stafford and Marcus Johansson, two offseason additions who have a track record of scoring. Hischier can make some beautiful moves on the ice, and has a knack for scoring.

Hischier won’t score 40 goals like Matthews did last season. He doesn’t need to in order to win the Calder Trophy. If he plays his game, and outplays Flyers rookie Nolan Patrick, then he will remain the favorite throughout he season.

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