Nico Hischier deserves a spot in the Hart Trophy conversation

Nico Hischier has had a fantastic season in 2024-25. He's already set a new career high in goals (currently at 34) and is on pace to finish with the second-most points in a single season for him (currently at 67). His play has helped guide a Jack Hughes-less New Jersey Devils team into a soon-to-be playoff appearance. The team's captain has led by example both on and off the ice. His performance has caught the eyes of many and should be recognized league-wide.

While he certainly won't win it, Hischier should get some Hart Trophy nominations for what he's been able to do this season. The former number one overall pick in 2017 has blossomed into a top-tier goal scorer. He can potentially be a 35-40 goal potter each year. He doesn't blow you away in basic stats other than goals scored (he's currently tied for 12th in the league). However, a deeper look shows you exactly how valuable the Swiss-born center has been this year.

In an incredibly surprising stat from Evolving Hockey, Hischier is only behind Edmonton Oilers superstar Leon Draisaitl in standings points in the expected goals above replacement model. To make it more simple, it shows a player's contribution to their team's performance based on expected goals rather than actual goals. In this category, Hischier's play alone has earned the Devils 10 standings points above expected. While Draisaitl has over 50 goals and is a likely finalist for the Hart Trophy, Hischier has proven that he can play at a similar level.

What makes what Hischier has done this year even more remarkable is how he's stepped up since Hughes' season-ending injury. In the 14 games played since Hughes went down, Hischier has potted nine goals and 16 points. He also has earned at least a point in 10 of his last 11 contests. All of this while adding his second hat trick of the season in 5-2 win on the road over the Minnesota Wild last Saturday.

It's games like this that show everyone just how important to the Devils their captain really is. If it wasn't for him, New Jersey would be close to on the outside of a playoff spot looking in. Because of Hischier, the Devils instead have a firm grasp on the third spot in the Metropolitan Division. They are on the verge of making the playoffs for the second time in three years.

Obviously, many have Hischier pegged as a Selke Trophy candidate, the trophy given to the best defensive forward in the league. The Devils' captain deserves more than that.

Whether they last in the postseason for long remains to be seen; regardless, the effort and work that Nico Hischier has put in should not only be recognized by the Devils but should be acknowledged league-wide. He is one of the more underrated two-way forwards in the game. Hischier, in many ways, has earned a nomination for the Most Valuable Player award. It won't be long before he eventually makes a major push in the future to actually win that award.