A smooth-skating, playmaking center…good skating agility and top speed, but is more quick than fast…is able to make quick turns and displays good lateral movement…not big or strong, but still shows willingness to take hits and battle for space…goes into board battles and uses his body to fight for pucks…excellent playmaking instincts, vision and passing skills…puts puck where his linemates can best utilize the chance…an incredible stickhandler who thrives in possession and can make defenders look foolish…competitive and driven…poise is a major standout attribute…dangerous when given time, especially on the power play as he takes full control of the play from the half wall with the puck, using his impressive agility, hands and vision to make plays…plays a responsible defensive game…one of the best talents to come out of Switzerland.

The Swiss prospect is an ultra-intelligent centreman, he plays a very mature game in all three zone and can play the game in every situation. He needs to add some strength to his frame, but Hischier has a compete level and will not hesitate to get his nose dirty in front of the net. Hischier skates well and has a surprising burst of speed that he use to catch opponents off guard when rushing the puck. He sees the ice well, is more of a passer than a shooter, and he does a great job feeding pucks to his linemates. He’s one of the smartest players in this draft class, and he makes quick decisions with the puck on his stick. On the PK, even if he’s a scoring star, he won’t hesitate to block shots, and plays a real unselfish style of game. Hischier is ready for the NHL.

Hischier started the year looking like a good NHL prospect, by Christmas it was clear that he was much, much more than just a “good” prospect. He is a very competitive two-way player who is dynamic with the puck on his stick and an offensive threat whenever he stepped on the ice. His hockey sense, puck skills, skating  and a competitive nature with regards to both playmaking and goal scoring abilities are as good as any player in the draft.

He’s the complete package offensively. He’s a very good skater, with the ability to be dangerous due to his first step and top gear but particularly due to how elusive he is from a standstill. Hischier is a creative puck handler who can dictate possession with his skill and often stands out with how he can generate offense with his creativity. However, his best trait is his hockey sense. He anticipates pressure so well, moves the puck into the right places and outsmarts defenders.

He is the most exciting player in the draft to watch. The skills he displays on a nightly basis graded high and it is reasonable to expect his physicality to improve. He has a chance to be one of the few impact players that come out of this draft.  There is a slim but not impossible chance he supplants Nolan Patrick as the number one pick.

Phenomenal Swiss import who was every bit as advertised during a banner rookie season in the Quebec league. Hischier is an elite center with off-the-charts puck artistry and swift skating that combine into a lethal package. Sly and dangerous, he can strike at a moment’s notice. His agility and escapability are unmatched among draft peers, and at 18 years old his hockey sense is on par with the world’s best young players of any level. And he’s far from just a finesse player — Hischier is a fierce competitor who hates losing whether it’s a one-on-one puck battle or a seven-game series. He can kill penalties, lend support down low and do his best at physically moving opponent’s off the puck. Hischier has a good, accurate shot but it’s the way he fakes and jukes that makes beating goalies all the more simple. Blessed with sick hands, poise and a keen sixth sense, he is next to unstoppable once he takes the puck below the hashmarks. Is ready for the NHL as we speak and should be groomed for a leadership role as he ascends the ladder of stardom.