New Jersey Devils News

Hischier (hamstring) practised on Tuesday but remains questionable for the season opener.

The Devils' captain remains questionable for their opening game Thursday in Philadelphia as he returned to practice Tuesday for the first time since September 26th, 2022. Hischier enjoyed his most successful season in 2021-22 finishing with 21 goals and 60 points in 70 games placing him second on the Devils in scoring. The 23-year-old should find himself a lock in New Jersey's top-six and atop their first powerplay unit.

Nico Hischier
Hischier has a hamstring strain and will be re-evaluated in 10 days.

Hischier suffered the injury on Thursday and will be re-evaluated a few days before the Devils' season starts. This would be a huge loss for the Devils to open the season, and it would thrust either Erik Haula or Dawson Mercer into an elevated role.

Nico Hischier
The Devils have signed Simon Nemec to a three-year, entry-level contract.

The Devils selected Nemec with the No.2 overall pick in this summer's NHL Draft. The 18-year-old Slovakian defenseman had 26 points (1G / 25A) in 39 games with Nitra MHC (Slovak Extraliga) last season. He also represented Slovakia at the 2022 World Juniors (one assist in two games) and the 2022 Olympics (one assist in seven games).

Simon Nemec
The Devils have reportedly signed Ondrej Palat to a five-year deal worth $30.0 million ($6.0M AAV).

Palat spent the first 10 years of his career with the Tampa Bay Lightning after being a seventh-round pick in 2011. Palat is a good complimentary top-6 winger that can play with either Jack Hughes or Nico Hischier in New Jersey. Over the last three seasons, he's averaged 20 goals and 35 assists (55 points) per 82 games.

Ondrej Palat