Nico Hischier

A breakout rookie campaign in which Hischier racked up 20 goals and 52 points undoubtedly excited the Devils faithful. Unfortunately, the 20-year-old playmakers's productivity has taken a turn in the wrong direction since his debut in 2017-18, with last season's 14 goals and 22 helpers both marking new career lows. Still, it's not all doom and gloom for Hischier, who is expected to center the Devils' top line while taking on an expanded role with the man advantage in 2020-21. An expanded power-play role as well as increased responsibilities at eventh strength could help Hischier return to the form he displayed during his rookie season. He's worth a look in the mid-to-late rounds of this year's drafts.

After being selected first overall in the 2017 draft, Hischier scored 52 points as a rookie and added 47 in his sophomore season. That's respectable production but nothing to write home about, and he could end up relinquishing the No. 1 center job with a more hyped top pick joining the fold in Jack Hughes. Hischier has plenty of upside if he can hold off Hughes and stay on the first line in the Devils' top-heavy lineup, but his floor is also pretty low should he slip down to the second line given his lack of growth in his first two seasons.

Hischier made an instant impact after being selected first overall in the 2017 draft, recording 20 goals and 32 assists while playing in all 82 games. The Swiss center doesn't turn 20 until Jan. 4, so it's safe to say his best days are still ahead of him. All but six of Hischier's points last season came at even strength, and that 5-on-5 success can be credited to skating on the same line as superstar winger Taylor Hall. Hischier faces almost no competition for the first-line center spot, so he should benefit from Hall's brilliance once again as a sophomore. Given his robust skill set, the young pivot is also capable of taking a major step forward with the extra man after totaling only six power-play points as a rookie.

Selected first overall in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, Hischier brings a dynamic offensive presence to a Devils team that's ranked no better than 27th in league scoring for the past five years. The 18-year-old Swiss National manufactured a whopping 38 goals, 48 assists and plus-20 rating with the Halifax Mooseheads of the QMJHL last regular season before eclipsing a point per game in the playoffs for his junior club. Having lit it up in the preseason -- we're talking four goals in as many games to complement three assists -- Hischier cracked the Opening Night lineup and pulled down a top-six job, so he can be deployed in all league settings immediately.