Addressing Devils' Hischier's Minutes vs. Elite Competition

Nico Hischier's linemates in recent weeks may seem to suggest he's being used as a defense-first forward, but is that actually the case?

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Much has been made about Nico Hischier's usage on social media lately. At first glance, it may look like New Jersey Devils head coach Lindy Ruff is using him as a shutdown forward. His linemates in recent weeks — Ondřej Palát and Erik Haula or Curtis Lazar — would suggest that. 

I think there is some truth to it, but the extent of it is questionable. Hischier's deployment against elite competition is high and up compared to last season, but other NHL centers have played tough minutes, too. Having said that, Ruff could perhaps benefit from easing Hischier's competition and finding him more offensive minutes. 

Hischier’s Minutes vs. Top Competition Has Increased

It felt like there was a possibility Hischier could get thrown into more difficult competition this season. After all, he was a Selke finalist to Patrice Bergeron in 2022-23. Once you're in the Selke convo, that reputation usually follows you for a long while. 

Hischier faced elite competition quite a bit a season ago; he logged 35.5 percent of his minutes versus top lines. It was his best defensive season to date, so that was understandable. But generally speaking, Hischier's defensive impacts have been so-so throughout his career. 

Those defensive impacts from 2022-23 have regressed a bit to start this season. Hischier's even-strength defense has been worth an expected goals above replacement (xGAR) of 0.1 to start 2023-24. He finished 2022-23 with an even-strength defense xGAR of 2.6, so there has been a dropoff. 

However, Hischier's minutes against elite competition has climbed to 40.4 percent this season. That is a sign that Ruff is using him against harder competition, but it's difficult to say how intentional that’s been. I think, to a degree, he has been hard-matching Hischier against certain opponents. 

But even if that's the case, I wouldn't say Ruff had been using Hischier's unit as a defense-first line until lately. He's had Timo Meier and Jesper Bratt on a line with Hischier at different points this season, so he's tried to give him more skilled scorers.