New Jersey Devils: 5 Reasons For Optimism For 2019
Nico Hischier’s Stellar Campaign… Even With A Hand Injury
Hischier had a rock-solid rookie performance, especially for someone who began the season as an 18-year-old. Hischier, the only Devil to play all 82 games, scored 20 goals and added 32 assists in 16:19 time on the ice per game. Furthermore,
Hischier displayed solid two-way skills and committed just 13 minor penalties while drawing 35 penalties, good for a +22 penalty differential which was bested only by Islanders center Mathew Barzal, Flames winger Johnny Gaudreau, Oilers star Connor McDavid, and Hurricanes forward Brock McGinn.
To top it all off, Hischier dealt with a hand injury for the duration of his rookie campaign.
If Hischier, who already has a fine year under his belt, remains healthy and sticks with Taylor Hall on the first line, the 1st-overall pick in the 2017 NHL draft should improve drastically upon his rookie season.