When the New Jersey Devils season ended in the first round of the playoffs, it gave its players a chance to change jerseys before summer vacation. Nico Hischier, Timo Meier, Jacob Markstrom, and Jonas Siegenthaler decided to head to Denmark to represent their respective countries. Hischier was even named the captain of Team Switzerland, and he was leading his team to what looked like a successful tournament.
The biggest worry for New Jersey Devils' fans is the possibility of a long-term injury. That possibility almost became a reality on Thursday when Nico Hischier went down and didn't return to the game. He got tied up with a player going after a puck, and they both went down awkwardly.
The Devils captain left the game with a lower-body injury from the above play. There was nothing too concerning about the play itself, but because of this injury, Hischier is done for the rest of the World Championship tournament.
Nico Hischier's injury is not the one New Jersey Devils fans should worry about
Everything points to this shut down being precautionary, so there is no worry here for the Devils. Hischier is going to be fine when the team returns to Newark. Hischier was even seen back in the stands on Friday to cheer his now-former team on.
The injury bug was absolutely awful to the Devils this season. Luke Hughes, Jack Hughes, and Jesper Bratt all missed a chance to represent their country because they had shoulder surgery. Brenden Dillon is dealing with a serious injury. Simon Nemec skipped Worlds because of his shoulder injury.
There are too many players dealing with injuries that could impact the 2025-26 season. We already know that Johnathan Kovacevic is going to miss time next season because of a lower-body injury. All eyes will be on the injury report in training camp.
It's good to know that Nico Hischier won't be on that report despite his current injury. He has four months to rest and recover, and it sounds like this "injury" is as minor as they come. Hischier will be ready to go from the start of next season, and they will need him.