The Story Behind the 2017 NHL Draft’s No. 1 Overall Pick
The Hockey Resource Operations AI™ presents: NHL Draft Career Files™
Draft Information
Draft Year: 2017
Overall Selection: 1st Overall
Drafted By: New Jersey Devils
Position: Center
Shoots: Left
Birthplace: Naters, Switzerland
The Pick That Surprised Hockey
Heading into the 2017 NHL Draft, many believed Nolan Patrick would hear his name called first.
Instead, the New Jersey Devils selected Nico Hischier, making him the first Swiss-born player ever chosen first overall in NHL Draft history.
The selection surprised many fans but reflected what Devils scouts valued most:
- Elite hockey IQ
- Outstanding skating
- Two-way responsibility
- Leadership potential
- Competitive drive
Ten years later, that decision has aged remarkably well.
Early NHL Development
Unlike some first overall picks who dominate offensively immediately, Hischier built his career steadily.
Every season he became stronger.
Every season he became more complete.
His offensive production continued to improve while his defensive play quickly earned the trust of coaches.
Before long he was playing against the NHL’s best players every night.
Becoming Captain
Perhaps the greatest compliment a franchise can give a player is naming him captain.
The Devils did exactly that.
Hischier became the leader of one of the NHL’s youngest and most talented teams, respected not only for his production but for his professionalism, work ethic, and consistency.
Leadership isn’t always loud.
Hischier leads by example.
A Complete Hockey Player
While some stars are known almost exclusively for scoring goals, Hischier impacts every aspect of the game.
His strengths include:
- Elite defensive awareness
- Faceoff ability
- Penalty killing
- Transition play
- Offensive creativity
- Consistent effort
He has become one of hockey’s premier two-way centers.
Career Highlights
During his first decade in the NHL, Hischier established himself as:
- New Jersey Devils captain
- Multiple 60-point seasons
- Regular Selke Trophy consideration
- International leader for Switzerland
- One of the NHL’s best defensive centers
In 2026, the Devils reinforced their commitment by signing him to a long-term contract extension after another strong season.
Looking Back After 10 Years
Looking back at the 2017 draft class, Hischier may not have become the league’s highest-scoring player.
But he became something every Stanley Cup contender needs:
A dependable first-line center who plays in every situation.
Players who score.
Players who defend.
Players who lead.
Those are franchise players.
Lessons for Young Players
Leadership Is Earned
Captains aren’t chosen because of statistics.
They’re chosen because teammates trust them.
Complete Players Stay Valuable
Every coach values players who contribute in every zone.
Consistency Wins Careers
Showing up every night matters.
Character Matters
The best players improve every season, regardless of success.
Career Grade (First 10 Years)
Offensive Production
A−
Defensive Play
A+
Leadership
A+
Hockey IQ
A+
Consistency
A
Overall Career Grade
A
Nico Hischier has justified the New Jersey Devils’ decision to select him first overall in 2017. While other members of the draft class have posted bigger offensive numbers, few have matched his combination of leadership, defensive excellence, and consistency. As captain of the Devils, he has become the type of franchise center every organization hopes to build around.
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