Devils' Nico Hischier, 22, named NHL's youngest captain

Reuters

Published Feb 20, 2021 01:57PM ET

Updated Feb 20, 2021 07:32PM ET

The New Jersey Devils named center Nico Hischier the 12th captain in franchise history on Saturday.

At 22 years and 47 days old, he is the youngest current captain in the NHL and second youngest in Devils history. Kirk Muller was 21 years and 243 days old when he got the "C" on his sweater to start the 1987-88 season.

The No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 NHL draft, Hischier missed New Jersey's first 11 games this season with a leg injury.

Hischier made his season debut in Saturday afternoon's 3-2 loss to the visiting Buffalo Sabres. He skated 23 shifts (16:29 ice time), won 4 of 7 faceoffs and had one shot on goal.

Hischier posted 36 points (14 goals, 22 assists) in 58 games last season and entered this season with 135 points (51 goals, 84 assists) in 209 games since making his debut in the 2017-18 season opener.