1. Nico Flipping Hischier
It sounds like Nico Hischier’s injury is very minor, and he could be in the lineup this week. That allows him to continue his rise to becoming one of the most underrated players in the league.
In his second season, he’s three goals away and five assists away from eclipsing his rookie season numbers. We expected him to beat those numbers, but last season he was playing with the league MVP. He hasn’t player with Taylor Hall since Christmas. Despite missing all of his linemates at one point or another, he’s still thriving. He’s becoming clutch (he has all three Devils overtime goals), he can skate past defenders, and he’s becoming a great two-way player right before our eyes.
Watching him turn into a budding superstar is worth the price of admission in itself. That’s why his most recent injury felt like the last straw. Nico became the best part of Devils games, but without him on the ice things seemed bleak. Even more bleak than they usually are.
Hischier will be back soon, and we can continue to watch him take the star that’s available. With Hall out, he’s taken another step forward. When Hall returns, they will make an amazing one-two punch.