NJ Devils Captain Nico Hischier Mentioned In 32 Thoughts: Put Some Respect On His Name!

In yesterday's edition of Elliotte Friedman's 32 Thoughts, he mentioned New Jersey Devils Captain Nico Hischier.
In this video I share the snippet and talk about what Nico Hischier means to the NJ Devils.
You can see the full article below:
www.sportsnet....
Let me know your thoughts in the comments.
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#njdevils #nicohischier #newjerseydevils #hischier #elliottefriedman #32thoughts #devils #nhl #hockey #njdevilspodcast #newjerseydevilspodcast

[@WaltBTB]

Some people think that they need to see the captain barking at his teammates or being an emotional guy trying to hit everyone in an opposing jersey. While, sure, that works for some teams and some captains (obviously worked for Stevens), when you have a guy like Nico leading by example, showing that unkillable drive to win, having that passion for the game ("I like to hockey"), and has the maturity that his teammates look to when times are tough. Nico gets praise from everyone I've ever seen asked about him and his captaincy, so as far as I'm concerned, if the locker room loves him, and believes in him, then the critics need to sit down.

[@runninwiththedevils]

@WaltBTB Very well said!

[@Johnnjdevils45]

Nico is a class act! He’s been getting bigger and stronger since he entered the league. Sometimes want to see him be little more vocal on the ice, but love him as my captain! He’s got some bodyguards this season, no more cheap shots on our studs. LGD! 24-25 should be epic!

[@runninwiththedevils]

@Johnnjdevils45 100% class. He has definitely filled out a lot since he first came into the league. Teams will NOT be taking liberties with the New Jersey Devils next year. We have some muscle all over the lineup. LET'S GO DEVILS!!!

[@colbymannion9581]

Nico Hischier might just be the nicest athlete that I have ever met! We really cannot take him for granted. Truly an inspiring person and player. LGD!

[@runninwiththedevils]

@colbymannion9581 He is amazing to the fans. I appreciate him for sure. LET'S GO DEVILS!!!

[@stikfigzz]

He may not be the biggest or loudest guy in the game, but he is sure as hell skilled and we are PROUD to call him our captain, ON AND OFF the ice. I'll throw down with anyone that says he doesn't deserve the C.

[@runninwiththedevils]

@stikfigzz Agreed! He speaks volumes with his play

[@maryv3137]

Nico IS the man, I’m right there with you!!

[@runninwiththedevils]

@maryv3137 One of the most underappreciated starts in the league...

[@Southerndevilsfan]

Let's go, Devils.

[@runninwiththedevils]

@Southerndevilsfan LET'S GO DEVILS!!!

[@michaels7134]

Ace, thanks for bringing a ton of relevant, interesting content even during the summer doldrums. I am glad that Fitz added MacDermid's, Noesen's, Cotter's, and Dillon's snarl to the team. There were too many games where Nico was on the receiving end of some hard, borderline hits and the response from the other Devils was mediocre at best. That won't be happening to Nico or anyone else on the team this year. 🙏

[@runninwiththedevils]

@michaels7134 I couldn't agree more! The crimes against our star players will no longer go unpunished!

[@CollectRecords732]

I’ll admit in the past I’ve questioned if Nico was the captain this team needed when they clearly needed to be called out for lack of effort. But I was wrong - you don’t have to be captain to speak up. Dude is a class act and sets a winning tone through non stop effort. I own 3 of his jerseys now and am always proud to rock them. #nicorules #LGD

[@runninwiththedevils]

@CollectRecords732 Well said. This guy is a beast. LET'S GO DEVILS!!!

[@barbk5820]

I agree with everything you said about Nico. He is such a nice guy, and a great captain!

[@runninwiththedevils]

@barbk5820 The Devils organization and their fans are lucky to have this guy!

[@kfree1966]

Getting close. It is going to be a great season. If the boys stay healthy and play within themselves, I fully expect to have a run deep into the playoffs. Lets Go Devils.

[@runninwiththedevils]

@kfree1966 We are rapidly approaching. I have highhhhhhh hopes for the season. LET'S GO DEVILS!!!

[@DerektheMotorider]

I'm a fan of hischier. Have 4 of his jerseys. 19-20 set 1 away, 19-20 set 2 home. 2021-2022 set 1 home 2022-2023 set 1 third. Seems like one of the nicest and most geniune guys. Cares about the team and its fans. Would like to meet him someday.

[@runninwiththedevils]

@DerektheMotorider HOLY SHHHHHHH....Nico SUPERCOLLECTOR! Amazing. I don't have a Nico gamer yet; I figure I have plenttyyyyy of time to grab one. Nico is amazing to the fanbase.

[@spicoli3357]

Ace my man!!!!!! Giving me goosebumps only cuz I love Nico so much!!! I had this deep gut feeling from the day I saw him playing for Switzerland in the WJC that he was going to be a very special player, never could've imagined we would win that draft but when we did, I truly was just waiting for him to be named captain. Exact type of player Lou always looked for, defensive minded forward who is nothing but class & full of compete. The kid wills his teams to wins, so thankful to have him in Red & Black, & he will become the longest tenured C for our beloved Devils. Much respect to Scott Steven's but the new wave is here. Great video brother, I love it!! LGD Wooooooooo!!!!!!

[@runninwiththedevils]

@spicoli3357 Nico is the man! He is the embodiment of a "Lou guy" for sure. LET'S GO DEVILS!!!

[@ValS781]

"the kid wills his teams to wins"😂 What have his teams won?

[@spicoli3357]

@ValS781 clearly you haven't watched enough Devils games, one game right off the top of my head you could simply search on KZbin "Nico Hischier goal against Dallas stars" if that goal doesn't some up his drive & ability to take over when needed idk what does. But I'll save my breath but this is proof you don't know much about him at all. He carried team Switzerland on his back in the WJCs, USA coach Bob Motzko said not a single one of his 4 lines nor any of his defenseman had any answers for Hischier, he scored 2 goals in the game against USA and their coach literally went on the record saying Nico Hischier almost single handedly beat team USA. They were stacked compared to Switzerland. Then Nico ended up going 1st overall that draft. Craig Button and several other scouts said he's got the talent but also pure determination and the ability to will his teams to wins. He's gone on to do it at the NHL level and at the Mens Worlds. Obviously he hasn't lifted the Cup yet, but if you don't see what I'm talking about that you're simple a closed minded clown buddy.

[@spicoli3357]

@ValS781 his most recent team almost upset everyone and won Gold but ended up with Silver instead. USA and Canada were stacked and didn't do shit. Stop commenting, you clearly don't know shit about hockey lmao

[@ValS781]

@@spicoli3357 His recent team LOST the gold medal match. His previous teams lost everything too. Clown, stop commenting. I remember you said Fitzgerald is the best GM and shouldve won the Award🤣🤡

[@cbonez2909]

LGD!! Nico is 1 of the best 2 way players on the NHL!! Easily top 10 and might be top 5 this season if it plays out well.

[@runninwiththedevils]

@cbonez2909 Absolutely! We have a gem in him for sure...

[@SelectaBwoy]

This goes to show that Nico's not a loser, and neither is the rest of the team, Also hopefully nico spent some time in the boxing ring.

[@runninwiththedevils]

@SelectaBwoy The 24-25 Devils are going to look A LOT different than last year. Nico won't have to worry about protection this season, muscle has arrived. HEAVIER, EDGIER, MORE VIOLENT!

[@jma.87]

You can find captains that won cups in the last 30 years that didn't fight or yell at teammates. Barkov, Landeskog, Crosby, etc... it's actually a bigger list than some might think, those guys all lead by example. I know we get stuck on the Stevens style as Devils fans. Of course we would, he was a legend, but it's not the only way to be an effective captain like you essentially said, Ace. Nico will continue to grow and improve in his leadership, and the team will mature into itself as well. That's really just starting to progress now imo. I expect a good year to come.

[@DubbsIsLike]

You gotta hope this entire team hit the gym HARD this off season. From videos and pics, it looks like they have. We added toughness, but the core guys need to get tougher as well. It looks/sounds like Nico is leading after that dreadful year.

[@runninwiththedevils]

@DubbsIsLike Would love to see some of the boys a bit bulked up! LET'S GO DEVILS!!!

[@zachw4829]

First Lets go Devils time is ticking!

[@runninwiththedevils]

@zachw4829 LET'S GO DEVILS!!!

[@SnelSports]

I’m back Ace. Dog days are over 1 more month to go! Thanks for all the coverage this offseason/summer. Can’t forget about Jacub Malek I think he takes over the team around 2027/28

[@runninwiththedevils]

@SnelSports We are heading into the homestretch here! Jakub Malek is definitely in the mix! Along with Daws, Poulter, Yegorov, Brennan, and "that kid from Finland", Veeti Louhivaara.

[@TravelinDevil76]

Nico wears his heart on his sleeve or crest. I believe we see how the whole team feels during his post game interviews. Happy or depressed. They need to win a few with him as the C. Traveling season has started for me. Sitting at PBI waiting to board my flight to NJ :) Warm up flight before the long haul ;)

[@runninwiththedevils]

@TravelinDevil76 Agreed. Nico is the heart and soul of the team

[@00devils]

N1co is solid, wears his heart on his sleeve. LGD

[@runninwiththedevils]

@00devils LET'S GO DEVILS!!!

[@kevinkirk7570]

Great show, Brother Ace!! I don't get why people knock on Nico as our Captain? Just like you said, he leads by example....not every guy is gonna be a vocal and in your face type. He puts his head down and grinds it out game in and game out. He's definitely gonna contend for a Selke or two in his career. He deserves all the accolades given to him, not enough respect given to this man at all!! I ask this question to all the naysayers, if not Nico as Captain....then who????

[@runninwiththedevils]

@kevinkirk7570 Thanks! I think many people are still stuck up on the type of Captain Scott Stevens was. I admittedly was like that at first. Not every captain goes about leading the team in the same way. Nico has a different approach. He is definitely the most deserving of the "C"....

[@QueensNewYorkguy]

This video definitely helped me Ace lol along with a vintage one I watched earlier today of Yzerman and Probert on the Red Wings in ‘87 and Yzerman wore the C while being a finesse player that rarely showed emotion like Joe Sakic rarely did but Probert took care of all the rough stuff and they both even played on the same line together cause Probert had some offensive skills at times surprisingly! And that made Yzerman more of a tougher player and he began showing a lot more emotion in the 1990s when Federov came and changed that whole organization! So yes Ace i hope you’re right bud that Paul Cotter can get some play on the 2nd line especially if Tatar somehow just doesn’t fit playing with Nico this time cause I think that would be great for Hischier to maybe fire him up more and see that he sometimes needs to send a message that he and the rest of these new look Devils will not be bullied!

[@runninwiththedevils]

@QueensNewYorkguy Probert was an absolute ANIMAL. WOW, what a scary man! I think Cotter is going to surprise a lot of people this year. The 24-25 Devils are indeed HEAVIER, EDGIER, MORE VIOLENT!

[@QueensNewYorkguy]

@@runninwiththedevils yes and you know I’m just like you and from the same era of loving all the toughness of the NHL! I look back at some Devils games and see guys that were usually thought of as finesse players like Neidermayer and Elias just destroying opposing players with monster hits! They really didn’t ever have to be physical but it was just the New Jersey Devils way back then of being the big bad boys like the Detroit Pistons! Being tough was cool back then lol! Neidermayer was a bully, dude played like he was 6’5 at only 6 feet! He fought way more than he should’ve or had to! It was just in him to not accept losing! That tough mindset while simultaneously being the best skater in the league for over a decade got him 4 Cups! 3 of which we would’ve never won without him!!!

[@8BYTENYTE]

I love nico and he was my first jersey but i just want him to be a little more offensive. he has the knack to score and he can be a good back bone. He doesnt have the be the most vocal or the biggest baddest guy on the team to show he the captain but leading by example is important. Showing a never giving up attitude and putting some pucks in the damn net helps

[@runninwiththedevils]

@8BYTENYTE He plays hard night in and night out. He is reallll close to a point per game player over the past 3 seasons. Machine!

[@8BYTENYTE]

@@runninwiththedevils facts but when the games slow down and its 0-0 or 2-1 them that goal can energize the team in ways that playing hard wont. We say it last season that just playing hard wont get some of the team motivated. Especially when the moral and mindset of giving up/here we go again starts to set in

[@runninwiththedevils]

@8BYTENYTE We got plenty of guys that can bring some of that stuff! I expect this years team to be much tougher; both physically and mentally....

[@yoholmes273]

Nico & Jonas just played an outdoor hockey game in Switzerland 🇨🇭 on top of a mountain in the Swiss Alps. Was billed as the worlds "highest" hockey game on Planet Earth.

[@runninwiththedevils]

@yoholmes273 I saw some pics and video from that....looked pretty cool

[@jonathanyi2330]

353 career points so far is pretty impressive.

[@runninwiththedevils]

@jonathanyi2330 Agreed! Nico has been pretty solid thus far in his career. LET'S GO DEVILS!!!

[@stevennagin566]

I totally agree with you

[@runninwiththedevils]

@stevennagin566 I think most will. There are still some doubters though 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@ryanreist6841]

I really don’t understand all the hum drum attitude some have over this summers moves. I heard a comment made on another Devils channel which shall remain nameless, but when asked if impressed with Fitzy’s off season moves, the response was “not really”. I don’t get what some people were expecting. Massive upgrades were made in net, on the blue line, and behind the bench. Holtz and Schmid were on the bubble and a decision was made on them and neither were part of the long term plan so were dealt for Cotter who I am actually really looking forward to seeing what he can bring and hope he thrives as a middle six forward. Maybe he even surprises and fills that top six spot everyone feels was a miss this summer. I think had the Devils been healthy last season and made the playoffs and won a round, people would be thrilled about these exact same moves as they would all be steps forward to a deeper run. People are overlooking the horrendous goaltending and revolving door of injuries last season. If the boys stay healthy and we get a full season out of Jack, Nico, Timo, and Dougie and add all the acquisitions to the mix, there’s a lot to be looking forward to this coming season. LGD!!

[@runninwiththedevils]

@ryanreist6841 Most here by now know that I call it as I see it. I have been one of Fitz' biggest critics at times. But this Summer he did his job, and did it well. I don't know how everyone wouldn't be on board with that. Starting with one of the hottest coaches on the market in Keefe....and then getting a very good goaltender, with 2 years remaining on his deal, at a discount (Calgary retaining) Pesce and Dillon are monster upgrades on the blueline. Cotter and Noesen are HEAVIER, EDGIER, MORE VIOLENT! I think many fans have PTSD after last season. I firmly believe that ON PAPER, the 2024-25 Devils are better than the 2022-23 Devils that set the franchise record with 112 points. If we are healthy next season, I am expecting a big runnnnn from the boys. LET'S GO DEVILS!!!

[@ryanreist6841]

@@runninwiththedevils Completely agree! Markstrom is not the long term answer and I think we can all agree on that, but the way some are carrying on you’d think he was 40 plus years old already. At 34 I fully expect Markstrom to be solid the next two seasons and be a big contributor to the team. Who knows, depending on where the young guys are at and who’s available in free agency, maybe he even signs another one or two year deal when this contract expires and we see him in NJ for the next four seasons. Bob in Florida just won a cup in his 30’s and Marty, Fleury, Quick all had playoff success nearing or surpassing 40. I think we scored a gem in Markstrom and can’t wait to see him win over the naysayers.

[@QueensNewYorkguy]

I’m one of those guys that has been getting on Nico past few seasons but it’s mainly because of his lack of toughness! He never fights or retaliates on goons who cheap shot him! I get it, I shouldn’t expect him to be an Adam Graves if he is not that type of player! But there’s just something in me that even though i hated Graves his whole Rangers career really only because he was a Ranger lol i still respected the guy cause he never backed down or took any crap from anyone! He was always an alpha 50 goal scorer that protected Messier and other teammates! I’m getting better at just accepting Hischier as he is!!

[@runninwiththedevils]

@QueensNewYorkguy He is "tough" in a different way. He isn't going to go out there and drop the mitts, or start attacking guys. That isn't his game. We now have several capable soldiers to handle this department. Nico just needs to continue doing exactly what he has been doing; being one of the most reliable two-way players in the game who can play every situation.

[@QueensNewYorkguy]

@@runninwiththedevils no arguments here lol I’ve had a change of heart on Nico! And I guess you are right he is tough in his own way/right! I can’t complain really cause it is a totally different NHL now from our glory days! We’ll be back on top of our game this year

[@anson.meadows]

We could have *NOLAN PATRICK* and *KAAPO KAKKO* , right now.

[@runninwiththedevils]

@anson.meadows IMAGINE THAT?!? The differences between our #1's and those BRUTAL #2's!

[@anthonymanganaro9942]

What's up Ace! Is Jack healthy?

[@runninwiththedevils]

@anthonymanganaro9942 No new reports have come out. They have said he will be ready for camp in September!

[@dimostenisn.4642]

Regarding Nico, I like player who take games personally. I am a guy who takes my team's Ws and Ls. I expect players who play to be at least as passionate as me. I like players to get excited and disappointed, happy and angry. I like players who talk bad to their rivals. I love players who get insulted and throw a punch for it while on the ice. That is what we lacked last year. Not just physicality but also attitude. Also give the finger to each and all Rangers fans.

[@runninwiththedevils]

@dimostenisn.4642 For sure. You can tell Nico REALLLLLY cares. Losing bothers him to his core. I expect a brand new attitude for this team next season. LET'S GO DEVILS!!!

[@dimostenisn.4642]

​@@runninwiththedevils amen! LET'S GO DEVILS

[@mr.devil9577]

He was straight up not good last year but nobody was i expect a big bounce back year from him and everyone else

[@runninwiththedevils]

@mr.devil9577 He was good at times. The defense was a disaster last year, and every goalie that played behind it suffered at some point. I am expecting a huge rebound year for the whole team as well. LET'S GO DEVILS!!!

[@mkchomponthis]

LGD.

[@runninwiththedevils]

@mkchomponthis LET'S GO DEVILS!!!

[@ElviraScott-l9f]

Anderson George Garcia Patricia Jackson Kenneth

[@jamesvalenti9288]

I want to see Hischier get angry...to quote Patches from Dodgeball: You gotta get angry! You gotta get mean! That's the only way you can play! I do like Nico. He is a definitely a standup guy...but he does need to show the emotion A LOT more. He needs to drop the gloves a few times, and not take any shit from other players. If he starts doing that, the rest of the team will follow.

[@sst6601]

He won't. Because he is not a leader. ... Simple as that. I don't give a shit what he is like in the locker room. I want him be the Captain on the ice. And he'll never be that guy

[@runninwiththedevils]

@jamesvalenti9288 We got plenty of other guys to drop the gloves! It simply isn't part of his game, and that's ok...

[@p00l95]

Dude is almost 30 and hasn't gone past the second round of the playoffs lmao

[@runninwiththedevils]

@p00l95 You are almost 30 and haven't kissed a girl (or guy, whatever your preference is) lmao

[@p00l95]

@@runninwiththedevils I am happily married and love my life. Thanks, though.

[@sst6601]

No. Nico is NOT a Captain material. He takes a beating.. Good for him. He'll retire by the age of 30 because his body will give up because of the constant beating.

[@runninwiththedevils]

@sst6601 C'mon man. He will be just fine!