Nico Hischier is getting some high praise this offseason, as people realize he's one of the best centers in the National Hockey League. The NHL Network just ranked him 14th in the league at center, and while their Jack Hughes ranking puts the entire list in question, we appreciate the recognition that Hischier is getting.
The former first-overall pick was one of the best players in the league last season. No, legitimately. He was facing top players and performing very well offensively. He broke his previous career high with 35 goals last season.12 points behind Mark Streit for fifth on the list, and he's 13 points behind his teammate Timo Meier.
When looking at the career of Hischier so far, there have been some ups and downs. He was a great rookie, but there were some major downs for a few years after that. He’s only hit 30 goals twice in his career, but it looks like he has finally hit a moment in his career where the offense has equaled his defense.
Hischier was famously the first Swiss player to go first overall in the NHL Draft. Now, he’s looking to cement himself as the best Swiss player in the NHL. Ever.
Nico Hischier has a clear path to being the best Swiss player of all time
Hischier passed Mark Hardy this year to be the sixth-highest scoring player from the country of Switzerland. He’s 302 points behind the person who has the most points in the history of Swiss hockey. Hischier should easily pass 302 points in his career. That would be simple if the guy at the top of the list is still in his prime.
Nashville Predators defenseman Roman Josi leads all Swiss players in points. He is 35 years old, so he should have a few more years playing high-level hockey. Could he get to 1,000 points before it’s all said and done?
That seems unlikely. Let’s say Josi gets to 900 points. When will Hischier be able to pass him?
Hischier had 80, 67, and 69 points over the last three seasons. Let’s say that Hischier averages 70 points through his prime. That would give him 910 points by the time he’s 33 years old.
If that’s the case, the Devils captain should blow through this record with ease. Even with a few expected injuries, Hischier should have this record by the time he hits 35 years old. He might even put this out of reach by the time he hangs up the skates. Could he get to 1,000 points? That seems much more likely.