Nico Hischier, the captain of the New Jersey Devils, is approaching the summer before the final year of his current NHL contract and is eligible for an extension. His recent non-committal comments regarding his future have raised concerns among fans about the possibility of him leaving as an unrestricted free agent next summer. The Devils, struggling with team inconsistencies, cannot afford to lose a player of Hischier's caliber. The best-case scenario would involve Hischier wanting to stay and entering negotiations in good faith for a new deal. However, if he indicates he does not wish to re-sign, the team should consider trading him to avoid losing him for nothing. This would allow the Devils to recoup assets and maintain their competitive edge. The worst outcome would be Hischier departing without any compensation, which would create further challenges for the franchise's rebuilding efforts. The Devils must act decisively to ensure they do not lose their captain, as his presence is crucial for the team's future success.