Lindy Ruff has formally announced the addition of another terrifying star to fortify the walls of his team.

Lindy Ruff has formally announced the addition of another terrifying star to fortify the walls of his team.

Nico Hischier, who went #1 in the 2017 NHL draft, will now spend a lot of time with the New Jersey Devils.

Hischier inked a $50.75 million, seven-year contract extension with the Devils on Friday. The deal counts $7.25 million against the salary cap through the 2026–2027 campaign. Hischier’s long-term commitment is another crucial step in New Jersey’s efforts to resurrect its status as a perennial contender.

“As a player, all a player can ask for is confidence, and I like the direction the organization is going in,” Hischier remarked. We have a dynamic, young team, and I’m motivated to do everything in my power to make sure we succeed every day. I have always felt like I wanted to be a part of the Devils, and I was truly welcomed here from the beginning.

This summer, Hischier—the first player from Switzerland to be selected first overall in the NHL draft—was scheduled to be a restricted free agent. Rather, under his new contract, he will earn $7 million in the first season and $8.5 million in the seventh.

General manager Ray Shero told The Associated Press, “Once we knew that Nico was open to a longer-term extension, that was always our interest, as well.” “It provides clarity and cap certainty to our planning for a 20-year-old foundational type player.”

Hischier has played in 157 NHL regular-season games so far, tallying 101 points with 37 goals and 64 assists. Hischier is a member of New Jersey’s next generation of stars, which includes 2019 No. 1 pick Jack Hughes. The team has only made the playoffs once in the previous seven years.

Shero described Nico as “a special person who possesses an inner drive to succeed combined with a team-first mentality.” We are all grateful to him and his family for having faith in our future as an organization. We are thrilled that he will be a key member of our team for many years to come.

Another indication to left winger Taylor Hall of the Devils’ dedication to success is the long-term signing of Hischier. Hall has stated that winning is a key factor in his decision to resign or leave, and he could leave this summer as a free agent.

This past offseason, Shero signed winger Wayne Simmonds and added defenseman P.K. Subban and forward Nikita Gusev. Hischier has two points and New Jersey has only managed one victory in its first seven games of the season.