The captain will continue to miss time with a head injury.
On Thursday, the New Jersey Devils revealed that captain Nico Hischier is week-to-week with a head injury. Injuries continue to be a problem for the 2017 first draft pick.
#NEWS: Nico Hischier sustained a head injury when he was struck in the visor by a puck on February 27. He has been placed on IR and is week-to-week. https://t.co/gdHGiftUoh
— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) March 4, 2021
Hischier sustained the injury on Feb. 27 against the Washington Capitals late in the game when a hard P.K. Subban shot was deflected and hit Hischier’s visor.
Hischier was immediately escorted to the locker room and hasn’t appeared in a game since. It was revealed on Thursday that Hischier is in concussion protocol and had also suffered a broken nose.
This is unfortunate news for the team and fans, especially since they just got Hischier back. The newly appointed captain didn’t make his season debut until Feb. 20.
Janne Kuokkanen was recalled from the Taxi Squad and will fill the extra position in the lineup.
This loss couldn’t have come at a worst time for the Devils. They’re stuck in a rut and have been playing the worst hockey they’ve played all season.
In Hischier’s absence to begin the season, sophomore Jack Hughes felt the pressure but stepped up mightily. He’ll have to do it again as the likely top line center.
Pavel Zacha, who’s one of the hottest players in the NHL right now, will also need to continue his tremendous play if the Devils hope to keep their season alive.
