James Nichols
While New Jersey Devils captain Nico Hischier is playing at the IIHF World Championships in Switzerland, his agent is back in Newark looking to sort things out with GM Sunny Mehta.
According to Pierre LeBrun via The Athletic, Hischier’s camp and Mehta have had positive initial talks that are “amicable and positive.”
New Jersey Hockey Now confirmed at least one meeting between Hischier’s agent, Allain Roy, and Mehta have taken place thus far.
LeBrun went on to say, “So there are two factors at play. Mehta is trying to find an extension number that works for both sides while keeping the Devils as competitive as possible under the salary cap. But Hischier also needs to hear all the right things from the new GM as far as getting New Jersey looking like a contender in a hurry.
“My sense is that those elements were all part of those initial conversations between Roy and Mehta.
“All things being equal, it would appear an extension is the most likely outcome, but things are at an early and delicate stage.”
Hischier is going into the final year of his contract that carries a $7.25 million average annual value (AAV).
In 82 games during the 2025-26 season, the Devils captain scored 28 goals and 66 points.
Hischier is projected to earn over $11 million on a long-term contract according to AFP Analytics. His AAV could be up to as much as $11.459 million.
As the 2025-26 season wound down, Hischier told New Jersey Hockey Now amid a media scrum he was focused on finishing the season before thinking about an extension. His response appeared non-committal.
“I’m focusing on playing hockey here,” Hischier said. “I still have one more year. So I’m with the Devils right now, and then we’ll see what happens.”
When asked the same question at exit interviews, Hischier’s tune changed a bit.
“Nine years here, I love it here in New Jersey,” he said. “We’ll see who’s coming in and I’m sure we’ll talk with each other and go from there.”
