Devils pick Hischier No. 1 overall in NHL Draft

New Jersey picking at top of draft for first time

The New Jersey Devils selected Swiss center Nico Hischier with the No. 1 overall pick in Friday's NHL Draft.

 

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Selecting with the top overall pick for the first time in franchise history, the Devils chose the 18-year-old over Canadian center Nolan Patrick, generally seen as the other top prospect in the draft.

 

Hischier spent last season with the Halifax Mooseheads of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. He racked up 86 points (38 goals, 48 assists) in 57 games.

 

The Philadelphia Flyers own the No. 2 pick and were expected to select whichever top prospect the Devils bypassed.

 

The Dallas Stars, Colorado Avalanche and Vancouver Canucks round out the top five selections.

 

Pick No. 6 belongs to the first-year Vegas Golden Knights, who also own the 13th and 15th picks in the first round courtesy of trades with Winnipeg and the New York Islanders.

 

After Friday night's first round, the draft continues at Chicago's United Center with rounds 2-7 starting at 10 a.m. ET Saturday.