Nico Hischier selected first overall in 2017 NHL Draft

Chicago, IL – The Canadian Hockey League is proud to announce that forward Nico Hischier of the QMJHL’s Halifax Mooseheads has been selected first overall in the 2017 NHL Draft by the New Jersey Devils.

Hischier becomes the tenth CHL player in 11 years to be chosen first overall and second member of the Mooseheads to earn the distinction in five years following the Colorado Avalanche’s selection of Nathan MacKinnon in 2013.  Other top CHL selections include Connor McDavid of the Erie Otters chosen first overall by the Edmonton Oilers in 2015, Aaron Ekblad of the Barrie Colts to the Florida Panthers in 2014, the Oilers’ picks of Nail Yakupov of the Sarnia Sting in 2012, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins of the Red Deer Rebels in 2011, and Taylor Hall of the Windsor Spitfires in 2010.  John Tavares of the London Knights was selected first overall by the New York Islanders in 2009, following the Sting’s Steven Stamkos chosen by the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2008, and the Knights’ Patrick Kane picked first overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2007.

The 18-year-old from Naters, Switzerland, earned CHL Rookie of the Year honours this season after finishing 2016-17 with 38 goals and 48 assists for 86 points in 57 games.  Hischier joined the Mooseheads after being chosen sixth overall in the 2016 CHL Import Draft and was a captain of Team Orr at the 2017 Sherwin-Williams CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game in Quebec City where he earned Player of the Game honours.

The 2017 NHL Draft continues with first round selections on Friday night, followed by rounds two through seven on Saturday.