Devils’ Nico Hischier wrapping up memorable rookie season

On and off the ice, Nico Hischier is living "a dream come true."

All that’s missing is a visit to the Jersey Shore, but the Swiss-born center selected first overall by the New Jersey Devils in the 2017 National Hockey League draft will have plenty of time to make that jaunt once his memorable rookie season comes to a close.

For now, Hischier’s days and nights are spent helping the Devils defy the hockey prognosticators, who predicted they would occupy the NHL standings’ cellar throughout the 2017-18 season, instead of being in the thick of the playoff race, which is where they’ve been since their campaign commenced on the first Saturday afternoon this past October at Prudential Center.

On that day, the Devils defeated the Colorado Avalanche in a game that not only served as New Jersey’s season opener, but also as Hischier’s "welcome to the NHL" moment.