In a recent one-on-one interview, Fitzgerald said Hischer reminds him of one of the best two-way players in the league.
In a recent one-on-one interview, Fitzgerald said Hischer reminds him of one of the best two-way players in the league.
New Jersey Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald went through it all during his days as a player. During his 17-year career, he was drafted by the New York Islanders, traded twice, and signed as a free agent with three different clubs. His teammates ranged from Miracle on Ice defenseman Ken Morrow to former Devils' forward Alexei Ponikarovsky.
During a one-on-one interview with Devils team reporter Sam Kasan, Fitzgerald shared that since the beginning, Hischier reminded him of one former teammate.
"I've said this right when (Nico) started. I thought we drafted somebody who was very similar to an ex-teammate of mine," he said. "He reminds me a lot of an ex-teammate, and that's Patrice Bergeron."
That is quite a compliment to 24-year-old Hischier as the Boston Bruins captain won the Frank J. Selke Trophy as the forward who demonstrates the most skill in the defensive component of the game an impressive six times.
"I got an opportunity to play with (Bergeron) my last year in Boston, Patrice's first or second year, maybe, and Nico's got a lot of those qualities," Fitzgerald said. "You know (Hischier) takes a lot of pride in the 200-foot game; he can add offense. You saw what he did this year."
The Brig native was recognized for his play during the 2022-23 season and nominated for the Selke Trophy with Bergeron and Mitch Marner of the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Devils captain finished second to the Bruins forward, earning three first-place votes, 68 for second, 38 for third, 28 for fourth, and 24 for fifth.
It was the first time Hischier was acknowledged for his 200-foot game, and according to Fitzgerald, this is the first of many award appearances for his young captain.
"I think (Hischier) absolutely could be that player year in and year out up for the Selke Trophy because of how much he values 200 feet of the ice," he said.
What is unclear is the future of Bergeron, who is 37 years old and may choose to retire after his team's historic regular season. What is clear is that New Jersey has a young captain who will be in the Selke Trophy conversation for years to come and could find himself replicating the success that Bergeron had over his 19-year career.