Newark, NJ - The New Jersey Devils today signed the first-overall pick in the 2017 NHL Draft, Nico Hischier, to the maximum three-year, entry-level contract for salary ($925,000 AAV) and performance bonuses. The announcement was made by Devils' Executive Vice President/General Manager Ray Shero.

Hischier was selected first overall by New Jersey at the 2017 NHL Draft in Chicago, the first time the Devils had the number one slot in team history. He is the only Swiss-born player to be selected with the top pick in NHL history. In 2016-17 with Halifax (QMJHL), Hischier led all rookies with 38 goals and 48 assists for 86 points in 57 regular-season games and added three goals and four assists in six QMJHL playoff contests. He was named CHL and QMJHL Rookie of the Year, QMJHL Offensive Rookie of the Year, a member of the QMJHL All-Rookie Team, and was awarded with the Mike Bossy Trophy as the QMJHL's Best Professional Prospect. During Day 2 of the 2017 NHL Draft in Chicago, Hischier was named the 2017 recipient of the E.J. McGuire Award of Excellence, which is given to the candidate who best exemplifies the commitment to excellence through strength and character, competitiveness and athleticism.

The left-shooting forward finished New Jersey's 2017 Development Camp this afternoon. Born January 4, 1999 in Brig, Switzerland, Hischier has represented his home country on multiple occasions in international competition, including when he led his country with seven points at the 2017 IIHF World Junior Championships in Montreal & Toronto.