New Jersey Devils: 5 Facts From Media Day That Actually Matter
By Nick Villano
2. “It’s always great to be healthy.” –Nico Hischier
Nico Hischier’s health is second only to Mackenzie Blackwood’s ability to bounce back from last season when it comes to importance to this team’s chances to win on a nightly basis. He had the year from Hell last season, and he only played 21 games due to a broken leg, a broken jaw, and COVID-19 complications. Hischier was stuck in the mud for most of the season.
Devils captain Nico Hischier: "It's always great to be healthy." Said he really appreciates being here for the start of the year after the way last season went. Said he hasn't thought about who he might play with this year.
— Corey Masisak (@cmasisak22) September 22, 2021
It was imperative for as many Devils players as possible to be available for the start of training camp after Lindy Ruff was forced to quickly insert his system during a truncated training camp last season. Hischier was not there at the start last season, and it really impacted his game on the ice. He looked like he was really trying to figure out his role for all 21 games.
This season, Hischier can relax and ease himself into whatever role Ruff has for him. Hischier has to find chemistry with teammates, and he has to see if Jesper Bratt is going to be his linemate again. They circle each other every season, and they seem to always end the season together.
A healthy Hischier is drastically important. Ruff even said he never had the real player last year because of all the injuries. That’s different this season. Welcome back to our Swiss King.