CHICAGO — A five-hour lunch in Bern, Switzerland, sealed the deal, allowing Devils general manager Ray Shero to feel comfortable enough with Nico Hischier to make him the franchise’s first No. 1-overall pick during Friday night’s NHL draft at United Center.
If it was a surprise to anyone the Devils didn’t take the original consensus No. 1, Nolan Patrick, it wasn’t a surprise to Shero. He took the train to Bern, found the 18-year-old Hischier waiting for him at the station, went to a German restaurant where Hischier ordered, and then went to get coffee. They spoke about his family and his experience and his outlook on the game, and Shero left pretty much knowing he had found the player he wanted.
“It was really important and enjoyable — for me,” Shero said.
Hischier became the first player from Switzerland to be taken first overall, and it was something he actually never saw coming.
“I would like if I said I thought it was possible. I’m just surprised,” Hischier said. “But I knew I had a good season, and I know what I can do. Right now it’s unbelievable, and just I’m so happy.”
Hischier played for SC Bern, one of the best international teams. He came over to play in Canada this past season, putting up 38 goals and 48 assists in 57 games for Halifax of the QMJHL and being named the league’s rookie of the year. He also had his stock rise while scoring four goals and adding three assists in five games for Team Switzerland in the World Junior Championships.
At 6-foot-2 and 179 pounds, the left-handed shot might project more as a left wing than a center. But his upside is more in his skating ability and poise with the puck, the type of game predicated more on being a playmaker. With the Devils having missed the playoffs for five straight years, they needed an influx of talent and Shero is hoping this is a good start.
“We’ll give him every opportunity to make our team out of training camp,” Shero said.