Devils select Nico Hischier with No. 1 overall pick in NHL Draft

First overall draft pick Nico Hischier joins Tara Slone to talk about being selected by the New Jersey Devils.

The New Jersey Devils have selected Nico Hischier with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 NHL Draft.

The Swiss forward had been climbing the prospect rankings all season long thanks to a strong season with the QMJHL’s Halifax Mooseheads and an electric showing at the world juniors, challenging top-rated prospect Nolan Patrick during the months leading up to Friday’s draft.

The Naters, Switzerland native is the first Swiss player in history to be selected 1st overall.

Hischier registered 38 goals and 48 assists for 86 points in 2016-17, ranking 10th among all players in league scoring and leading all rookies by 23-point margin. The 6-foot, 174-lb centreman also tallied seven points in six post-season games with the Mooseheads and was named CHL Rookie of the Year this season.

He also led Team Switzerland’s entry in the world juniors with seven points in five games, finishing tied for 11th in tournament scoring—impressive, considering his team was eliminated in the quarter-final.

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