Devils draft Swiss center Nico Hischier 1st overall

The New Jersey Devils selected forward Nico Hischier with the first overall pick in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft on Friday.

Nico Hischier

Position: Center
Height: 6-foot-0
Weight: 174 lbs
Age: 18
Club: Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL)
Nationality: Switzerland

(Even-strength stats courtesy: prospect-stats.com)

Hischier arguably made more strides than any draft-eligible player this season. He failed to crack the top 15 of the preseason draft rankings of TSN's Bob McKenzie, but by midseason Hischier was ranked as the No. 2 North American skater by NHL Central Scouting.

He still has potential to add bulk to his 6-foot frame. If he can do so by training camp, he could be NHL-ready. Otherwise, another year of junior might serve him best.

"A smooth-skating, playmaking center…good skating agility and top speed, but is more quick than fast…is able to make quick turns and displays good lateral movement…not big or strong, but still shows willingness to take hits and battle for space…goes into board battles and uses his body to fight for pucks…excellent playmaking instincts, vision and passing skills…puts puck where his linemates can best utilize the chance…an incredible stickhandler who thrives in possession and can make defenders look foolish" - Future Considerations.

Click here to view highlights of Hischier.