The NHL/NHLPA European Player Media Tour is underway this week in Milan, Italy, bringing together 26 NHL stars for an international showcase. Representing the New Jersey Devils and his home country of Switzerland was none other than Devils captain Nico Hischier.
The tour highlights some of the NHL’s top European players as they work with hockey legends and preview their upcoming appearance at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina. Hischier joined names like Miro Heiskanen, William Nylander, Sebastian Aho, and several other European standouts.
NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly praised the event in an interview with NHL.com:
“The NHL is honored to visit Milan alongside our partners at Serie A, continuing to build on the momentum of our strategic collaboration. This week’s events give our players and leadership the chance to immerse themselves in one of the world’s great sporting cultures while showcasing hockey and NHL players to new global audiences. By engaging directly with Serie A’s passionate fans and iconic clubs, we’re strengthening our global footprint and creating connections that will resonate well beyond the Winter Games.”
At just 26 years old, Hischier continues to be an ideal ambassador for both the Devils and Switzerland. His leadership and two-way play have made him one of the NHL’s most respected centers. Recently ranked among the league’s Top 20 Centers by NHL Network, Hischier has steadily elevated his game since being drafted first overall in 2017.
Last season, he appeared in 75 games, posting 69 points and a career-high 35 goals. While his scoring has improved, it’s his defensive reliability, hockey IQ, and ability to drive play at both ends of the ice that make him invaluable to New Jersey’s lineup.
On the international stage, Hischier was named one of the first six players selected for Switzerland’s 2026 Olympic roster. He was also named to the 2022 Beijing Olympic team but could not participate due to NHL restrictions during the pandemic.
Speaking to NHL.com, Hischier expressed his excitement for the opportunity:
“I was excited back then, but obviously even more excited now because it is one thing I haven’t done yet, haven’t been a part of and I think it’s something that I’m really going to enjoy.”
Hischier also reflected on the pride of seeing more Swiss players thriving in the NHL:
“I try to be thankful, because I don't think it's very common, especially for Swiss guys, to have three Swiss guys in the same NHL team and we're all doing well with each other. I’m just very thankful and it’s going to be a very, very fun time, and I’ll try to enjoy it as much as possible.”
As the countdown to Milano Cortina 2026 continues, Hischier’s presence in Milan this week reinforces both his importance to the Devils and his growing role as a leader for Swiss hockey on the global stage.