Kings Eyeing Devils Captain Nico Hischier Ahead of Offseason Trades

As NHL free agency approaches, speculation is heating up regarding potential blockbuster trades, with the Los Angeles Kings at the forefront of the conversation surrounding New Jersey Devils captain Nico Hischier. Pierre LeBrun, a prominent writer and sportscaster for the Sports Network, indicated that the Kings, along with the Minnesota Wild and Montreal Canadiens, are eyeing Hischier should he become available this summer.

While a trade could create one of the offseason’s biggest storylines, LeBrun suggests that an extension with the Devils is the more probable outcome, although discussions are still in their early and delicate stages. The possibility of Hischier hitting the trade market adds an intriguing layer to the offseason narrative, particularly for teams like the Kings, who have long sought stability at the center position.

With Anze Kopitar’s retirement, the Kings are left with uncertainty regarding leadership and their next captain. Hischier, at just 27 years old, has emerged as one of the NHL’s premier two-way centers, and his addition to the Kings would undoubtedly reshape their future. Known for his leadership and offensive prowess, Hischier embodies the type of player Los Angeles has been searching for to align with their organizational goals.

In the recently concluded season, Hischier showcased his skills with 28 goals and 38 assists over 82 games, maintaining a commendable level of health throughout his career—averaging 70 games played per season over the last five years. However, despite his individual success, Hischier has faced challenges with team performance, having only reached the playoffs three times in his nine seasons with the Devils, winning just one playoff series during the 2022-23 season.

The Devils have struggled to maintain consistency, and while they boast a formidable offensive lineup featuring players like Jack Hughes, Jesper Bratt, and Timo Meier, concerns linger about their depth and the ability of their bottom-six forwards to contribute effectively. Should Hischier seek a new opportunity rather than remain with a team that has yet to capitalize on its offensive talent, the Kings would be wise to make a substantial offer for his services.

Although the specifics of a potential trade package remain unclear, it is likely that the Kings would need to part with some of their young talent and multiple draft picks to entice New Jersey. Hischier is currently under a seven-year contract with the Devils, valued at an average annual salary of $7,250,000, which runs through the end of the 2026-27 season, making him an unrestricted free agent thereafter.

If no deal or extension materializes, the Kings could wait until the summer of 2027 to pursue Hischier as a free agent. However, there is always the risk that he may choose to sign elsewhere, potentially seeking a better chance at postseason success. Regardless of the outcome, if Hischier becomes available this offseason, the Kings must act decisively to secure the star center.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.