C Nico Hischier - Halifax Mooseheads, QMJHL (2017, 1st, NJD) II

[Dr Jablonski PhD]

Hextall has said that he won't play the #2 pick if they don't show that they deserve a spot on the roster. Most Philadelphia fans prefer Hischier, but I have the feeling that NJD will take Hischier. That being said, if Nolan Patrick makes the Flyers roster, he would likely get 3rd line center minutes playing with wingers like Raffl/Read/Weise/Weal/Lindblom.

If Nico Hischier makes the Flyers roster there's a chance he would be used at wing, but if used as center it would likely be on a top six line with offensive minded play drivers such as Weal or Simmonds (not strictly considered a play driver but is a big body with relatively good puck support in all zones). I can't see Hischier being used with players like Raffl/Read/Weise because those wingers typically have been reserved for Couturier in order to form a line that's relied on at even strength to drive play and chip in some secondary offense.

 

[Magua]

That being said, if Nolan Patrick makes the Flyers roster, he would likely get 3rd line center minutes playing with wingers like Raffl/Read/Weise/Weal/Lindblom.

If Nico Hischier makes the Flyers roster there's a chance he would be used at wing, but if used as center it would likely be on a top six line with offensive minded play drivers such as Weal or Simmonds (not strictly considered a play driver but is a big body with relatively good puck support in all zones). I can't see Hischier being used with players like Raffl/Read/Weise because those wingers typically have been reserved for Couturier in order to form a line that's relied on at even strength to drive play and chip in some secondary offense.

Couturier is the Flyers best 5v5 scorer and forward period. That's not true that he is just used to chip in secondary offense and only plays with Raffl/Read/Weise. He plays as much or more with Simmonds, Voracek, Konecny, likely Schenn from now on. Raffl and Read for years have moved interchangeably through the top 9, going on any line to provide a 3rd wheel possession boost. So, yes, often one is on Couturier's wing for depth purposes, but usually the other wing is someone like Voracek or Schenn or Simmonds. His ice time is always top 3 on the team among forwards, virtually equal and often more than Giroux, situation depending. Fact is, he's better than Giroux 5v5......being on his line is being on the top line.

If Hischier made the team, he would likely be on LW. Flyers run a very even top 9 in minutes and usage, and it's only getting better. They don't do "top 6." They do and are going to be built for a true top 9. So, realistically, he could play on any single line: next to Couturier, Giroux, or Filppula. Konecny started the year on Couturier's line and it was his best stretch of the year. There's no reason Hischier couldn't, if they wanted. He's better than Konecny defensively. LW on Couturier's line is the easiest position on the entire team, usage be damned. Patrick likely starts out at as the 3rd center in the top 9, but even then, his wingers are probably some combo of Filppula, Simmonds, Konecny, Lindblom. Besides the fact that Raffl, Read, Weise may not all be here next season, if the #2 pick makes the team, none will likely be in the top 9, by the numbers game:

Lindblom-Giroux-Voracek
Konecny-Couturier-Schenn
Filppula/Hischier-Patrick/Filppula-Simmonds

 

[Brooklyndevil]

For the Devils, I'd reckon Hischier on the wing, 2nd line to start. Its not easy to project this far out.

I think Patrick would slot in as #2 center if he's the pick right off the bat. Either pick needs to be playing with some of our few more talented offensive players though at least how its currently composed.

The wildcard here is McLeod. He could make the team out of camp. Same with Quenneville. If we add someone via trade or UFA that could change the dynamic further as well. Its just too soon to really make a stable projection. This year is a bit anomalous with the ED and the fact the Devils have a surplus of cap space to add other players.

If Shero takes Hischier, it's to play center. He can turnout to be 6-1 190 lbs. That's not huge, however, it isn't small either.

 

[ghdi]

If Shero takes Hischier, it's to play center. He can turnout to be 6-1 190 lbs. That's not huge, however, it isn't small either.

Its not unheard of for some guys to start on the wing early in their NHL career. I agree that Hischier will be a center, but he may not start his career there. Zacha was also drafted as a center.. It completely depends on the how the roster is composed once we break camp and how he adjusts to the NHL. We don't want Hischier playing with our less talented players. If he's outplayed in the middle on a top 2 scoring line, moving him to the wing allows him room to adjust to the speed of the game but still be effective and playing with talented linemates. Then again, there's always the chance he is in the middle from day one.

It also has nothing to do with his current size. He's obviously going to fill out as time goes on. Starting on the wing doesn't mean stays on the wing.

 

[Tripod]

Just to add to the above, Giroux started on the wing as well. Starting there does not dictate the whole career.

 

[Emperoreddy]

Didn't Jordan Staal play wing when he first came up too?

 

[MacDonald4MVP]

Ditto Seguin.

 

[zharkenby]

Is there still a possibility NJ will take Hischier 1st? havent really heard anything lately besides button saying the would after the mock. Seems more and more likely theyre going with Nolan

 

[Stizzle]

Seems more and more likely theyre going with Nolan

What makes you say this?

 

[Cheddabombs]

What makes you say this?

Literally nothing I think lol

 

[Rebels57]

Just to add to the above, Giroux started on the wing as well. Starting there does not dictate the whole career.

Yeah he was moved to 3C by his sophomore season (09-10) and ended up having 10 goals and 20 points in their playoff run to the Finals

 

[lancer247]

We're aren't comparing a 2nd year playing at home vs a 1st year playing in another country, are we?

It all depends on how well the Eagles are doing. The Philly media can be brutal both it is easy to slide under the radar if the Eagles are having a great season or a disaster of a season.

 

[zharkenby]

Literally nothing I think lol

You're right just felt like posting it for absolutely no reason.... Not because Patrick is ranked #1 LITERALLY everywhere. You're going to be one of the ones complaining every day for years to come when the Devils take Patrick. I can already see it.

 

[Cheddabombs]

You're right just felt like posting it for absolutely no reason.... Not because Patrick is ranked #1 LITERALLY everywhere. You're going to be one of the ones complaining every day for years to come when the Devils take Patrick. I can already see it.

I've said multiple times, and will continue to say, I will be very happy if the Devils draft either Nico or Nolan. Patrick may be one on a lot of these lists but it doesn't mean it's not incredibly close, and perhaps the Devils are one of the teams that favour Nico. These lists are either fan made or built on consensus, consensus lists don't mean the Devils have to have Nolan at number 1.

 

[MNRube]

Couturier is the Flyers best 5v5 scorer and forward period. That's not true that he is just used to chip in secondary offense and only plays with Raffl/Read/Weise. He plays as much or more with Simmonds, Voracek, Konecny, likely Schenn from now on. Raffl and Read for years have moved interchangeably through the top 9, going on any line to provide a 3rd wheel possession boost. So, yes, often one is on Couturier's wing for depth purposes, but usually the other wing is someone like Voracek or Schenn or Simmonds. His ice time is always top 3 on the team among forwards, virtually equal and often more than Giroux, situation depending. Fact is, he's better than Giroux 5v5......being on his line is being on the top line.

If Hischier made the team, he would likely be on LW. Flyers run a very even top 9 in minutes and usage, and it's only getting better. They don't do "top 6." They do and are going to be built for a true top 9. So, realistically, he could play on any single line: next to Couturier, Giroux, or Filppula. Konecny started the year on Couturier's line and it was his best stretch of the year. There's no reason Hischier couldn't, if they wanted. He's better than Konecny defensively. LW on Couturier's line is the easiest position on the entire team, usage be damned. Patrick likely starts out at as the 3rd center in the top 9, but even then, his wingers are probably some combo of Filppula, Simmonds, Konecny, Lindblom. Besides the fact that Raffl, Read, Weise may not all be here next season, if the #2 pick makes the team, none will likely be in the top 9, by the numbers game:

Lindblom-Giroux-Voracek
Konecny-Couturier-Schenn
Filppula/Hischier-Patrick/Filppula-Simmonds

That's a pretty filthy Top 9 I have to say

 

[Rebels57]

That's a pretty filthy Top 9 I have to say

Their D should be finally turning the corner too. There will be a lot of turnover from veteran to youth on D heading into next season.

Out: Streit, Del Zotto, N. Schultz (all played varying degrees of bad in 16-17)

In: Sanheim, Morin, Hagg

How those rookie D acclimate and who they sign to tend goal will determine what they can accomplish.

 

[Blender]

You're right just felt like posting it for absolutely no reason.... Not because Patrick is ranked #1 LITERALLY everywhere. You're going to be one of the ones complaining every day for years to come when the Devils take Patrick. I can already see it.

Patrick being #1 on scouting lists from the media means nothing to what the Devils organization thinks or does. You seem to be confusing those two things.

 

[hradekbr]

Patrick being #1 on scouting lists from the media means nothing to what the Devils organization thinks or does. You seem to be confusing those two things.

Exactly. How he thinks consensus rankings from journalists and sites have anything to do with what the Devils have on their board is quite ridiculous...

 

[HighOFFHockey]

Not sure he would make Philly's opening night roster. Would be tough for him to fit into their top 6, and playing him on the 3rd line would just be a waste

No way, that's exactly how you want to bring a kid into the lineup. Low pressure and enough talent to let him shine against 3rd liners, build his confidence. Then increase his minutes as he improves, ala Ivan Provorov this year.

 

[Gsus]

I don't get how 3rd line minutes could be a waste. Flyers TOP 9 includes:

Voracek
Simmonds
Schenn
Konecny
Lindblom
Filppula (could play C while Hisch plays W)
Couturier (same as Flip)
Giroux (Hisch would play wing here)

Those players are all good and capable of playing the game of hockey. It would not be a waste. In modern NHL you should have 3 lines capable of scoring. It looks like Flyers just got 3 of those.

 

[C0DITH]

It is too bad the Flyers goalie situation won't really be settled for 2-3 years because that Top9 + The crazy youth movement on D that is going to increase next year.....god damn haha.

 

[Striiker]

Not sure he would make Philly's opening night roster. Would be tough for him to fit into their top 6, and playing him on the 3rd line would just be a waste

The top 9 next year is probably looking something like...

Lindblom-Giroux-Voracek
Konecny-Couturier-Schenn
Filppula-2ndOverall-Simmonds

...so if he could come in, and play C immediately, he would be playing with quality players for sure.

 

[g00n]

Discuss the prospect. Stay on topic.

 

[Curufinwe]

You're right just felt like posting it for absolutely no reason.... Not because Patrick is ranked #1 LITERALLY everywhere. You're going to be one of the ones complaining every day for years to come when the Devils take Patrick. I can already see it.

MacKenzie said he had to go to 23 NHL teams to break the tie. It's very close.

 

[Curufinwe]

Not sure he would make Philly's opening night roster. Would be tough for him to fit into their top 6, and playing him on the 3rd line would just be a waste

The Flyers were giving their top 3 lines very similar ES ice time to end last season, and there were good players on every line. It won't be a waste.