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

[JA]

Nico said in an interview this weekend that he feels tired at this point of the season. He has never played such a lengthy season. He certainly is not playing at the level he played at earlier this year.

I would not rush him to the NHL; instead, he should probably spend another season in the CHL simply to become more accustomed to the schedule length.

http://www.blick.ch/sport/eishockey/start-zur-u18-wm-wie-schlaegt-sich-hockey-juwel-hischier-gegen-gleichaltrige-id6530578.html

Wie schlägt sich Hockey-Juwel Hischier gegen Gleichaltrige?
Heute beginnt in Poprad (Slk) die U18-WM. Die Schweiz kann dabei auch auf Ausnahme-Talent Nico Hischier zählen.
Stephan Roth aus Stara Lesna

Himmelsstürmer Nico Hischier stiess am Dienstagabend zur Schweizer U18-Nati. Direkt aus Kanada, wo er in dieser Saison beim Junioren-Team der Halifax Mooseheads für Furore gesorgt hatte, reiste er ins Teamhotel in Stara Lesna, Mitten in den Wäldern der Hohen Tatra, an.

Vom Center, der im nächsten NHL-Draft als Zweiter (hinter dem Kanadier Nolan Patrick) oder gar als Erster gewählt werden dürfte, kann man einiges erwarten. Auch wenn er sich nach einer langen, harten Saison mit bereits 83 Spielen etwas müde fühlt.

«Ich spüre das schon», sagt der 18-jährige Walliser zu BLICK. «Doch das ist auch eine Kopf-Sache. Und ich kann mich für diese U18-WM sehr gut motivieren. Ich bin immer stolz, wenn ich für mein Land spielen kann. Und da auch noch mit guten Kollegen.»

Zum Auftakt trifft die Mannschaft von Thierry Paterlini am Karfreitag auf Lettland. Es ist ein Schlüsselspiel im Kampf ums Weiterkommen. Die Letten verloren am Donnerstag im Startspiel gegen Kanada 1:4.

«Unser Ziel sind sicher die Viertelfinals. Das ist ganz klar meine Erwartung. Und ich will versuchen, mit Freude und Spass Hockey zu spielen, meinem Team zu helfen und ein Leader zu sein», sagt Hischier.

Ausnahmsweise trifft der 18-Jährige, der bereits vor zwei Jahren seine erste U18-WM spielte, wieder einmal auf Gleichaltrige. Zur Jahreswende hatte er bei der U20-WM in Kanada noch gross aufgetrumpft.

Doch der Bruder von SCB-Stürmer Luca ist sich bewusst, dass er nicht versuchen darf, es alleine richten zu wollen. «Man muss schon eine Balance finden. Ich habe auch schon selbst erfahren, dass ich meine Leistung nicht abrufen kann, wenn ich zu viel will. Ich muss versuchen, einfach zu spielen und mir Zeit lassen.»

Publiziert am 14.04.2017 | Aktualisiert am 14.04.2017

Translation:

How does Hockey-Jewel Hischier beat peers?
Today starts the U18 World Championship in Poprad (Slk). Switzerland can also count on exceptional talent Nico Hischier.
Stephan Roth from Stara Lesna

Heavenly striker Nico Hischier met on Tuesday evening with the Swiss U18 national team. Directly from Canada, where he was sensational for the junior team of the Halifax Mooseheads this season, he traveled to the team hotel in Stara Lesna, in the midst of the forests of the High Tatras.

The center, who should be the second-overall NHL draftee (behind the Canadian Nolan Patrick) or even be the first to be chosen, can be expected a lot from. Even if he feels a bit tired after a long hard season with already 83 games.

"I can feel it already," says the 18-year-old Valais to BLICK. "But that's also a head thing. And I can motivate myself very well for this U18 World Cup. I am always proud when I can play for my country. And with good colleagues. "

The team from Thierry Paterlini will meet in Latvia on Good Friday. It is a key game in the fight for progress. The Latvians lost 1: 4 on Thursday in the opening match against Canada.

"Our goal is certainly the quarter-finals. This is clearly my expectation. And I want to try and play hockey, to help my team and be a leader," says Hischier.

Exceptionally, the 18-year-old, who already played his first U18 World Championship two years ago, once again meets his peers. At the turn of the year, he had already made a big appearance at the U20 World Cup in Canada.

But the brother of SCB striker Luca is aware that he can not try to do it alone. "You have to find a balance. I have also already learned that I can not get the performance I want if I force it too much. I have to try to play and give myself time. "

Published on 14.04.2017 Updated on 14/04/2017

 

[doug88]

https://www.swisshockeynews.ch/index.php/shn/11-swiss-ice-hockey/nla/9241-nico-hischier-could-return-to-sc-bern-next-season

Not sure what would be best for him. It's obvious that the NLA is much better than the Q but maybe it'd better for him to stay in NA so he doesn't have to readjust to NA ice for the season after that. But then again, we'd have to see which team drafts him, because he could very well be playing in the NHL come October of this year...

 

[93LEAFS]

https://www.swisshockeynews.ch/index.php/shn/11-swiss-ice-hockey/nla/9241-nico-hischier-could-return-to-sc-bern-next-season

Not sure what would be best for him. It's obvious that the NLA is much better than the Q but maybe it'd better for him to stay in NA so he doesn't have to readjust to NA ice for the season after that. But then again, we'd have to see which team drafts him, because he could very well be playing in the NHL come October of this year...

I'd probably send him back to the Q. I don't think he's outgrown the league to the extent there is nothing left to learn. I'm not sure even if he has AHL eligibility if it is a good idea to start him there, I don't think it was a great idea this year with Alex Nylander.

Hischier is a good prospect, but if guys like Drouin and Ehlers could learn more at that level he can too. He's a 3 to 7 guy in a normal to good draft class. Most young guys in that range tend to need another year down there. It worked great for Marner, RyJo, and Huberdeau.

I don't think there is really a wrong option, all have their pros and cons, although, even if he is the 1OA, he shouldn't be gifted a line-up spot at the NHL level. Guys like Duchene, Galchenyuk, and Monahan were ready early on, so Hischier might be with a strong summer.

 

[ChicagoBullsFan]

Not a big fan of the Bure Comparison.

You can't compare Bure to anyone in today's game except McDavid who can also stick handle at warp speed and not lose his stride.


But did anyone watch the U18's today with him in the game????

Hischier was Switzerland's most visible player in Finland game yesterday.
He created good scoring chances to his linemates especially on powerplay but no-one couldn't finish them.
Also Finland's defence did really good job to keep him out dangerous scoring areas and scoring chances.

He got assist Switzerland's goal in 3rd period.
But that goal was Switzerland's only Finland win 5-1.

 

[ChicagoBullsFan]

Is Hischier potential candidate to Switzerland's senior team in upcoming IIHF world championships?

 

[Jean Luc Discard]

Looks like another Yakupov.

 

[Hockeyisl1fe]

Didn't really impress me against Finland to be quite honest. He wasn't bad by any means, but I was expecting to see more from a possible 1st overall.

 

[Icebreakers]

Didn't really impress me against Finland to be quite honest. He wasn't bad by any means, but I was expecting to see more from a possible 1st overall.

Hes only first overall by default though. So you cant really use those expectations on him. Its like if Mcdavid/Eichel werent in that draft and Strome was the first overall guy. We would be like wtf this guy skating sucks who would take him first overall. But like besides Patrick, who else is definitively better? And even that is arguable.

 

[jonas2244]

Is Hischier potential candidate to Switzerland's senior team in upcoming IIHF world championships?

We'll see, he seems to be a little bit tired. Depends really on who is available on Center and who's fit or not. He's a candidate but far from being a lock.

 

[scoutman1]

Looks like another Yakupov.

guess you never watched him play then if that quote comes out....Hischier works hard, goes into dirty areas and plays two way hockey while being able to take the body himself....

Yakupov, plays the parameter, lazy until he has the puck, does not work to the get the puck back hard.

Everyone is going on like Hischier is not a top guy, IMO this guy is better than Ehlers was at the same age with the Mooseheads and in any draft IMO we would be looking at him top 5. If your always going to expect a Matthews, McDavid 1st overall then your always going to be in for a let down. Hischier is TIRED, it is a big adjustment for players coming over who play usually 50 games and tournaments to adjust to the work load of a full schedule. Real scouts know the story behind what is going on, and it is not like the kid is playing bad at the U18s either....he only was amazing at the U20s at Christmas....like I said, easy for people to watch stats or watch one or two games and critic the player till the cows come home but when all is said and done, this kid is better than Ehlers was in his draft year with the Mooseheads and I personally think is going to be one hell of a 1st to 2nd overall pick in the draft.

IMO everyone talks about Patrick on here too and the kid has been in the light for so long they are just picking apart his game now because everyone had so much time to see him...Patrick is going to be an amazing player and I think will be a wayyy better 1st overall pick then a lot of guys picked 1st in the past.

 

[93LEAFS]

guess you never watched him play then if that quote comes out....Hischier works hard, goes into dirty areas and plays two way hockey while being able to take the body himself....

Yakupov, plays the parameter, lazy until he has the puck, does not work to the get the puck back hard.

Everyone is going on like Hischier is not a top guy, IMO this guy is better than Ehlers was at the same age with the Mooseheads and in any draft IMO we would be looking at him top 5. If your always going to expect a Matthews, McDavid 1st overall then your always going to be in for a let down. Hischier is TIRED, it is a big adjustment for players coming over who play usually 50 games and tournaments to adjust to the work load of a full schedule. Real scouts know the story behind what is going on, and it is not like the kid is playing bad at the U18s either....he only was amazing at the U20s at Christmas....like I said, easy for people to watch stats or watch one or two games and critic the player till the cows come home but when all is said and done, this kid is better than Ehlers was in his draft year with the Mooseheads and I personally think is going to be one hell of a 1st to 2nd overall pick in the draft.

IMO everyone talks about Patrick on here too and the kid has been in the light for so long they are just picking apart his game now because everyone had so much time to see him...Patrick is going to be an amazing player and I think will be a wayyy better 1st overall pick then a lot of guys picked 1st in the past.

I personally don't think he goes top 5 in either 2013 or 2015. He'd be in the discussion for any other draft in the 2010's. Not sure if he surpasses PLD and Tkachuk on most people's lists last year.

They may end up better than RNH and Mackinnon, but I don't know if that is the likely outcome. They definitely aren't in the same league as the Tavares, Stamkos, Matthews, Eichel tier of elite centers in the last 10 drafts. Hard to rate Ekblad right now, due to the injuries, but his first 2 years were phenomenal.

 

[lawrence]

I personally don't think he goes top 5 in either 2013 or 2015. He'd be in the discussion for any other draft in the 2010's. Not sure if he surpasses PLD and Tkachuk on most people's lists last year.

They may end up better than RNH and Mackinnon, but I don't know if that is the likely outcome. They definitely aren't in the same league as the Tavares, Stamkos, Matthews, Eichel tier of elite centers in the last 10 drafts. Hard to rate Ekblad right now, due to the injuries, but his first 2 years were phenomenal.

yea? who is your top 5 right now for 2017.

 

[93LEAFS]

yea? who is your top 5 right now for 2017.

Patrick
Hischier

Vilardi
Glass
Mittelstadt
Pettersson

Gave a top 6 because I think all 4 of those guys are in the same tier, some may even have an argument for challenging the top 2. I'm leaving Patrick at the top because I think he's the best player, and somewhat ignoring the medical stuff, as one, I am not a doctor and you are purely judging talent. If teams doctors red flag him and he drops, I would understand. I see Necas at 7, then a slight gap to the D prospects.

 

[SelltheTeamFrancesco]

I personally don't think he goes top 5 in either 2013 or 2015. He'd be in the discussion for any other draft in the 2010's. Not sure if he surpasses PLD and Tkachuk on most people's lists last year.

They may end up better than RNH and Mackinnon, but I don't know if that is the likely outcome. They definitely aren't in the same league as the Tavares, Stamkos, Matthews, Eichel tier of elite centers in the last 10 drafts. Hard to rate Ekblad right now, due to the injuries, but his first 2 years were phenomenal.

I have him top 5 in both those drafts ahead of Lindholm and Strome. Also Canada vs Switzerland will be on tsn tomorrow morning if anybody is interested.

 

[93LEAFS]

I have him top 5 in both those drafts ahead of Lindholm and Strome. Also Canada vs Switzerland will be on tsn tomorrow morning if anybody is interested.

I can see the argument ahead of Lindholm, but I don't think he was better than Monahan, who I like more than Lindholm. I view Patrick and Monahan as equals pretty much prospect wise, and I prefer Patrick to Hischier.

As for Strome, I think I'd take him over Hischier today, even with what we've learned about him over the last 2 years.

 

[SelltheTeamFrancesco]

I can see the argument ahead of Lindholm, but I don't think he was better than Monahan, who I like more than Lindholm. I view Patrick and Monahan as equals pretty much prospect wise, and I prefer Patrick to Hischier.

As for Strome, I think I'd take him over Hischier today, even with what we've learned about him over the last 2 years.

I think Strome was overhyped he played 50 games with McDavid that year and even when he wasnt he never got teams top line or defenceman. Monahan was probably the safer player but I always like the player with the high ceiling, due to that I would take Hischier. I would take Patrick above both Strome and Monahan due when I saw him played and I thought he was actually healthy (10 or 15 games to me at best) he was dominate never seen a player be that good in the whl. I might be biased about Hischier he has such a unique game you don't see very often, a flashy offensive player that has a two way game.

 

[93LEAFS]

I think Strome was overhyped he played 50 games with McDavid that year and even when he wasnt he never got teams top line or defenceman. Monahan was probably the safer player but I always like the player with the high ceiling, due to that I would take Hischier. I would take Patrick above both Strome and Monahan due when I saw him played and I thought he was actually healthy (10 or 15 games to me at best) he was dominate never seen a player be that good in the whl. I might be biased about Hischier he has such a unique game you don't see very often, a flashy offensive player that has a two way game.

Hischier feels like a Huberdeau/Duchene level prospect to me. Not sure if he'll even be an elite offensive player. More likely a 50 to 60 point guy with a good, but not elite 2-way game is his higher end of realistic potential. Maybe get closer to 65-70 in career years. Obviously, he could exceed that and be the next Datsyuk or on the other side end up a middle 6 winger.

 

[SelltheTeamFrancesco]

Hischier feels like a Huberdeau/Duchene level prospect to me. Not sure if he'll even be an elite offensive player. More likely a 50 to 60 point guy with a good, but not elite 2-way game is his higher end of realistic potential. Maybe get closer to 65-70 in career years. Obviously, he could exceed that and be the next Datsyuk or on the other side end up a middle 6 winger.

I think he be an David krejci type player with 65-70 points. I honestly due think he will be an elite two way player he looks like a player who takes pride in it. Also I like what that his coach said he was the most complete player he has ever coached.

 

[JA]

BLICK interviewed Nico recently; I have linked to the full interview.

http://www.blick.ch/sport/eishockey/nico-hischier-18-im-blick-interview-dieser-walliser-ist-der-beste-hockey-junior-der-welt-id6537358.html

Here are a few excerpts:

Dieser Walliser ist der beste Hockey-Junior der Welt
Noch nie wurde ein Schweizer Eis*hockey-Spieler so hoch gehandelt wie Nico Hischier. Der 18-Jährige aus Naters (VS) ist ausgezogen, um die Welt zu erobern. Bisher mit Erfolg.
Von Stephan Roth (Interview) und Dominika Harsaniova (Fotos) aus Stara Lesna (Slowakei)

...

Aber manchmal haben Sie schon Heimweh?
Ja. Doch jetzt bin ich mich schon daran gewöhnt, von meiner Familie getrennt zu sein. Ich bin mit 15 nach Bern gezogen, wo ich mit meinem Bruder (SCB-Stürmer Luca, die Red.) bei meiner Tante wohnte. Das war damals härter für mich. Ich hatte mehr Mühe in Bern als in Halifax. Ich bin ein Familienmensch und habe mit meinen Eltern, meiner Schwester und meinem Bruder ein super Verhältnis. Ich freue mich schon darauf, alle wieder zu sehen.

War die Familie nie ein Hinderungsgrund, nach Kanada zu wechseln?
Nein, das nicht. Man muss auch auf sich selbst schauen. Durch die Distanz verliert man ja den Kontakt nicht. Ich habe diesen Entscheid einfach gefällt, weil ich zum Schluss kam, dass es das Beste für meine Entwicklung als Hockey-Spieler ist.

...

Wie halten Sie den Kontakt in die Schweiz?
Das ist heutzutage nicht so schwierig mit Facetime und Kurznachrichten. Auch die Zeitverschiebung ist kein Problem.

...

Sie haben aber vorher schon Yoga gemacht?
Ja, Halifax organisierte einen Trainer, der mit uns alle zwei Wochen Yoga machte.

...

In welchem Bereich bringt es Ihnen etwas?
Sicher hilft es bei der Beweglichkeit. Und es verhindert Verletzungen. Man braucht andere Muskeln als beim Hockey.

...

Wachsen Sie eigentlich noch? Und legen Sie Gewicht zu?
Ich weiss gar nicht, ob ich noch gewachsen bin. Ich war schwerer, als ich in Kanada ankam. Dann habe ich etwas abgenommen, das ist aber ganz normal. Und unter der Saison habe ich dann wieder etwas zugelegt. Jetzt bin 179 Pfund, ich weiss gar nicht wie viel das in Kilo ist (81,2 kg, die Red).

Muskelmässig ist schon noch etwas drin für Sie?
Ja, der Sommer ist wichtig für mich. Letztes Jahr habe ich fünf, sechs Kilos zugenommen.

Achten Sie auch auf die Ernährung?
Ja, aber nicht ganz strikt. Doch ich schaue schon darauf, was ich esse. Und meine Gastfamilie hatte eine Orientierung von den Mooseheads. Und deshalb habe ich dann viel Quinoa gegessen. Das soll super sein. Das schmeckt zwar nach nichts. Aber wenn es gut für mich ist, esse ich es.

...

Publiziert am 16.04.2017 | Aktualisiert um 21:11 Uhr

Translation:

This Valais is the best hockey junior in the world
A Swiss ice hockey player has never been as high as Nico Hischier. The 18-year-old from Naters (VS) has moved out to conquer the world. So far with success.
From Stephan Roth (Interview) and Dominika Harsaniova (Photos) from Stara Lesna (Slovakia)

...

But sometimes you're homesick?
Yes. But now I am used to being separated from my family. I went to Bern when I was 15, where I lived with my brother (SCB striker Luca, the Red) and my aunt. That was harder then for me. I had more trouble in Bern than in Halifax. I am a family person and have a great relationship with my parents, my sister and my brother. I look forward to seeing them all again.

Was family ever an issue when moving to Canada?
No, not that. You also have to look at yourself. Distance doesn't cause one to lose contact. I just like this decision because I came to the conclusion that it is the best thing for my development as a hockey player.

...

How do you keep contact with Switzerland?
It isn't so difficult today with FaceTime and correspondence. Also, the time shift is no problem.

...

But you have already done yoga?
Yes, Halifax organized a coach who did yoga with us every two weeks.

...

In what area does it bring you something?
It certainly helps with mobility. And it prevents injuries. You need other muscles than you train by just playing hockey.

...

Some are blessed with great talent. Is it just an advantage or is it also a problem, because you run the risk of not pushing so hard?
I think talent is important. But equally important is that you never lose the fun of hockey. Whoever does not want to play and win -- whoever does not have this drive -- can not do it.

...

Are you still growing? And do you attach weight?
I don't know if I have grown. I was heavier when I arrived in Canada. Then I took something off, but that is normal. And during the season I then regained some. Now I am 179 pounds, I do not know how much that is in kilos (81.2 kg, the Red).

Muscular is something else in it for you?
Yes, summer is important to me. Last year I increased five, six kilos.

Do you also pay attention to the diet?
Yes, but not strictly. But I already look at what I eat. And my host family had an orientation from the Mooseheads. And that's why I ate a lot of quinoa. That should be great. It does not taste good. But if it's good for me, I'll eat it.

...

Published on 16/04/2017 Updated at 21:11

 

[scoutman1]

Hischier feels like a Huberdeau/Duchene level prospect to me. Not sure if he'll even be an elite offensive player. More likely a 50 to 60 point guy with a good, but not elite 2-way game is his higher end of realistic potential. Maybe get closer to 65-70 in career years. Obviously, he could exceed that and be the next Datsyuk or on the other side end up a middle 6 winger.

have you watched him play? to compare him to Huberdeau makes me wonder if you watched him, that would be like comparing John Tavares to Johnny Gaudreau they are they different of players, I will say he is better than Huberdeau and better than Duchene at the same age....Huberdeau is great with the puck, very exciting to watch but Hischier is more complete, he is a wayyyy faster skater, harder worker, willing to go into trouble areas and excellent two way ability to go with great leadership qualities, Duchene has the speed but I find not the amazing skills to go with the speed, Hischier has that amazing skill. SO again to see people say I feel he is like a Huberdeau shows no viewing of him...... I personally think he needs another year of junior and if brought right up to the bigs next year I think he will have a hard time working on what he needs to but he will be a guy who will prove a lot of people wrong.....

I would take him in a heart beat over Strome, Hischier would blow past and out work him on the ice to go along with amazing skills.

A few factors on players who never turn out when they are hyped in junior is usually work away from the rink they invest and work ethic on the ice and this guy has both of those things to go with his skill, IMO it will be hard for him to fail.

 

[Jean Luc Discard]

Easily another draft disappointment in the making. Tops as an average 2nd liner or a high end 3rd liner. Good for a late second round pick.

 

[Lays]

Easily another draft disappointment in the making. Tops as an average 2nd liner or a high end 3rd liner. Good for a late second round pick.

You should be very happy with a 2nd liner or a high end 3rd liner with a late second. I'd be happy with that outside the top 7-10.

 

[Jean Luc Discard]

You should be very happy with a 2nd liner or a high end 3rd liner with a late second. I'd be happy with that outside the top 7-10.

The probability of reaching that level is entirely different thing. His hockey IQ and shot quality needs to improve quite a bit on the way. I'll give him a probability of 21.65% of reaching that projection.

However, considering the quality of the entire draft, you're probably right.

 

[Patmac40]

The probability of reaching that level is entirely different thing. His hockey IQ and shot quality needs to improve quite a bit on the way. I'll give him a probability of 21.65% of reaching that projection.

However, considering the quality of the entire draft, you're probably right.

So you've never watched him. He's likely one of the smartest players in the CHL and it's pretty blatantly obvious if you watch him even in just one game. His hockey IQ is easily high-end even if he was playing at the pro level.

 

[scoutman1]

So you've never watched him. He's likely one of the smartest players in the CHL and it's pretty blatantly obvious if you watch him even in just one game. His hockey IQ is easily high-end even if he was playing at the pro level.

agreed, sounds like we have a bunch of arm chair scouts, who looks like do not even read people reports who have watched him play....his IQ is among the highest in the entire QMJHL and maybe CHL, the kid is IMO the total package for this draft, exciting to watch, super smart, extremely hard worker, strong, great playmaking, excellent shooter, great skater, agile, great at both ends of the ice, great leader, not sure what people do not see with this guy.