Fluke or legit: Exploring how Devils' Nico Hischier became NHL's top goal scorer eclipsing likes of Nikita Kucherov, and others?

New Jersey Devils captain Nico Hischier has quietly become the NHL’s goal-scoring leader this season. Entering Monday night’s action, he leads the league with nine goals. Currently, Hischier leads proven goal scorers like Tampa Bay Lightning superstar Nikita Kucherov or Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews.

But Hischier’s rise to the top of NHL leaderboards shouldn’t be a surprise. The former first-overall pick from the 2017 NHL draft showed potential early on to become one of the league’s best offensive threats. He notched 20 goals in his rookie season, and following a slight dip, roared back to produce an 80-point season in 2022-23.

Last season, Nico Hischier nearly topped the 30-goal mark for the second time in his career. Still, Hischier topped 20 goals for the fourth time in his career.

This year, it seems like everything has come together for Hischier. His nine goals are a testament to his overall talent and skill set. That well-rounded skill set earned him a Selke Trophy nomination in 2023.

In short, Hischier has emerged as one of the league’s best players at both ends of the ice. While he hasn’t gotten the attention other NHL stars get, Hischier will no longer remain one of the league’s most underrated players.

The time has come for Nico Hischier to step into the spotlight.

Nico Hischier thriving under Sheldon Keefe and linemates

When coach Sheldon Keefe took over from Lindy Ruff this offseason, one of the players who stood to benefit was Hischier. Keefe’s approach differed significantly from Ruff’s as he favors an up-tempo, puck-possession playing style.

That philosophy suits the New Jersey Devils just fine. The team has a wealth of speedy, skilled forwards like Hischier, Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt, along with talented blue-liners like Dougie Hamilton. As such, bringing in a coach like Keefe allows the Devils to capitalize on their strengths.

Nico Hischier has played on the top unit with Timo Meier and Dawson Mercer, creating plenty of scoring opportunities and high-danger chances. Thus far, Meier has registered four goals and 11 points, while Mercer has notched two goals and five points. That production is quite healthy for a team that struggled to find the back of the net last season.

Ultimately, Hischier is no fluke for the New Jersey Devils. He is a legitimate top-line center who’s finally come into his own at age 25. Despite his young age, Hischier has been in the league for parts of seven seasons. It seems like he has hit another gear just as he’s beginning to enter his prime.