New Jersey Devils negotiate extension for star forward Nico Hischier

New Jersey Devils general manager Sunny Mehta has begun preliminary talks with agent Allain Roy about extending forward Nico Hischier, who enters the 2026‑27 season with one year left on a $7.25 million cap‑hit contract. The discussions, described as amicable and positive, focus on finding a seven‑year deal worth roughly $10‑11 million per year that fits the Devils’ tight salary‑cap situation, which already allocates $34.9 million to six defensemen.

If an extension is not reached, the Devils could face the same dilemma other clubs have with elite centers on expiring contracts, prompting trade speculation. Several teams, including the Los Angeles Kings, Minnesota Wild, Montreal Canadiens and the New York Rangers, have been identified as potential suitors should Hischier become available on the market.