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New Jersey Devils: Did Nico Hischier Fall Out of Selke Trophy Race?

By Nick Villano

New Jersey Devils center Nico Hischier (13) during the second period against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
New Jersey Devils center Nico Hischier (13) during the second period against the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports /
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Right now, Patrice Bergeron is as close to a lock to win the Selke Trophy as anyone. Earlier in the season, however, one name kept coming up as competition. New Jersey Devils captain Nico Hischier was playing so well on both sides of the ice, some considered him to be the favorite to win the award. However, that sentiment has changed.

In Evolving Wild’s midseason awards watch, Hischier doesn’t even make the top six in Selke finalists. Hischier did rank eighth in The Athletic’s rankings three weeks ago, so it seems he is still getting some hype for the award. His star, however, isn’t shining like it was in October and November.

That much is clear with him missing out on the All-Star Game. That likely has a lot to do with his offense falling off quite a bit. After his ridiculous 16 points in November, Hischier came back down to Earth with eight in December. He bounced back with 13 in January, but it’s not enough to get him back into the spotlight. This is especially true with Jack Hughes playing like one of the best players in the league.

Hischier’s numbers tell an interesting story. He’s been on the ice for 1.87 goals against per 60 minutes. That’s well above average, but it’s not necessarily close to the top of the league. When comparing him to every player with at least 100 minutes played, Hischier ranks 117th in the stat.

He is 48th in the league in goals for percentage. Head coach Lindy Ruff trusts Hischier in constantly tough situations. However, his teammate Jesper Bratt is actually outperforming him in most stats.

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Hischier is still an incredible two-way forward, but he’s missing the necessary stats to really see himself in the Selke Trophy conversation. He needs to separate himself from the pack, and he just hasn’t done that. Bergeron is having another historic season on both sides of the ice for by far the best team in the league, so it doesn’t really matter. The award is his to lose, and Hischier can develop his game for a run at it next season when Bergeron likely retires.

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