Nico Hischier Trade Rumors Intensify as Devils, Canadiens, Kings, and Wild Weigh In

Nico Hischier’s future is in question as the New Jersey Devils enter contract negotiations with their captain. Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic reports that talks between Hischier’s agent, Allain Roy, and Devils GM Sunny Mehta are underway. Both sides remain optimistic, but a deal is far from finalized.

Hischier, 27, is in the final year of a four-year, $36 million contract signed in 2022. He’s averaging 18 goals and 52 points in 82 games this season, while serving as a two-way pivot with elite defensive awareness. If the Devils fail to re-sign him this summer, a trade could become inevitable.

At least 12 teams have expressed interest in acquiring Hischier, according to LeBrun. Among them are the Los Angeles Kings, Minnesota Wild, and Montreal Canadiens. The Kings, who just lost Anze Kopitar to retirement, could see Hischier as a perfect replacement. Kopitar’s $10 million cap hit is now a void the Kings are eager to fill.

LeBrun adds: “Imagine those two guys 1-2 down the middle. It’s the exact hole in the Canadiens’ lineup that needs addressing. There’s no doubt that Montreal would be among the interested parties if and when Hischier became available.”

The Canadiens have already matched Hischier’s profile by acquiring Nick Suzuki in a 2023 trade with the Vancouver Canucks. Hischier, a left-handed center, could pair with Suzuki to form one of the league’s most formidable duos. The Canadiens currently rank 15th in scoring at five-on-five, and a Hischier addition would immediately elevate their middle.

Hischier’s cap hit of $9 million per season could be a challenge for teams with tight salary situations. The Devils have $22 million in cap space for 2026-27, and they’re expected to retain some salary in any potential trade. That could make a blockbuster deal difficult unless a team is willing to take on a heavy contract.

For now, Devils brass remains confident a deal will be reached. “Like many other big-name players with big decisions to make, Hischier wants to know what the plan is and how the Devils are going to get better before committing long-term,” LeBrun writes.

The Devils have until July 1 to finalize a new contract with Hischier. If they fail, the trade market could open in earnest. With the Stanley Cup Playoffs concluded and summer free agency just weeks away, the hockey world is watching closely.