As the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics reach their first full week of competition, New Jersey Devils captain Nico Hischier has transitioned from NHL leader to a cornerstone of the Swiss national team. Currently serving as an alternate captain for Switzerland, Hischier is at the centre of his country’s push for an Olympic podium finish in Italy.
Olympic Leadership and Performance
On 10 February 2026, Team Switzerland officially named Roman Josi as captain, with Hischier, Kevin Fiala, and Nino Niederreiter designated as alternate captains. Hischier’s presence in Milan is a significant boost for the Swiss, especially after an injury-shortened stint at the 2025 IIHF World Championship.
In the opening rounds of the Olympic tournament, Hischier has been featured on Switzerland’s top line alongside Devils teammate Timo Meier. On 12 February, Hischier was a focal point in a high-stakes preliminary match against Team Canada, where his defensive reliability and face-off prowess were tested against some of the NHL’s elite Canadian talent. Analysts have noted that Hischier’s “Swiss Connection” with Meier and defenceman Jonas Siegenthaler has provided Switzerland with a level of chemistry rarely seen in international short-tournament formats.
2025-26 NHL Season Context
Prior to the Olympic break, Hischier was enjoying a productive campaign with the New Jersey Devils. Through 57 appearances this season, the 27-year-old centre has recorded:
- Goals: 19
- Points: 42
- Shots on Net: 151
- Physicality: 42 hits and 47 blocked shots
While the Devils have faced “injury chaos” recently—most notably involving star forward Jack Hughes—Hischier has remained the stabilizing force for the roster. He entered the Olympic break on a high note, including a dramatic overtime winner against the Nashville Predators in late January.
Career Milestones and Contract Status
Hischier, the first Swiss-born player to be drafted first overall (2017), continues to justify his $7.25 million annual cap hit. Now in the prime of his career, he has surpassed 190 career NHL goals. His leadership in New Jersey remains unquestioned, though local media has begun speculating on the long-term roster construction as the Devils navigate a challenging playoff race in the Eastern Conference.
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Role | Captain (Devils) / Alternate Captain (Switzerland) |
| 2026 Olympic Status | Active (Milano Cortina) |
| Birthdate | 04 January 1999 (Age: 27) |
| Contract | 7 Years, $50,750,000 CAD (Total Value) |
Following the conclusion of the Winter Games on 22 February, Hischier is expected to return to Newark to lead the Devils through the final stretch of the NHL regular season, with the team fighting to secure a wildcard spot.