New Jersey Devils captain Nico Hischier will miss the remainder of the 2025 IIHF World Championship after suffering a muscular injury during Switzerland’s 3-1 victory over Germany on Thursday, May 22, in Ostrava, Czech Republic. The injury happened in the first period when Hischier fell awkwardly during a collision with German forward Joshua Samanski.
Hischier played exactly 5 minutes and 12 seconds before returning to the bench. He remained on the bench for the rest of the first period but did not take another shift, nor return from the locker room for the second period. After the game, he was seen leaving the stands along with other scratched players, walking with a visible limp.
On Friday morning, May 23, the Swiss Ice Hockey Federation officially announced that Hischier would not return for the rest of the tournament. The injury is classified as muscular. According to the federation and the New Jersey Devils organization, the decision to keep Hischier out is precautionary. There is no long-term concern for his health or availability for the start of the 2025–26 NHL season.
Hischier had appeared in four games for Switzerland in Group B play before the injury. Serving as the team’s captain, he scored two goals, registered one assist, and posted a plus-3 rating, leading both on and off the ice.
In his absence, Devils teammate and Swiss forward Timo Meier moved to center during the game against Germany. Meier contributed to Switzerland’s second goal by screening German goaltender Dustin Strahlmeier, allowing Sven Andrighetto to score at even strength, which extended Switzerland’s lead to 2-0.
Switzerland, currently competing in Group B, will face Norway in their next game on Saturday, May 24. The game is scheduled for an 8:20 p.m. CET puck drop. Norway is currently in last place in Group B but recently managed a dramatic comeback against the United States on Wednesday, May 21. After trailing 5-1, Norway scored four unanswered goals to force overtime and earned one point in the standings.
Hischier becomes the fifth key Devils player recovering from injury during the offseason. He joins Jack Hughes, who is dealing with shoulder issues; Jesper Bratt, who has also been rehabbing; Luke Hughes; and defenseman Jonathan Kovacevic. All are expected to recover during the summer, but the growing list of injuries is a concern for the organization.
This is not the first time Hischier has been injured during international play. Although NHL players regularly join their national teams for the IIHF World Championship once their NHL season ends, injuries like this often raise concerns for club teams. The Devils do not control player participation in international events, but situations like this highlight the ongoing risk of off-season competition.
Hischier will remain with Team Switzerland for the rest of the 2025 World Championship and will undergo treatment with the team’s medical staff.
During the 2024–25 NHL season, Hischier played 75 regular-season games for the New Jersey Devils. He scored a career-high 35 goals and totaled 69 points. Despite missing seven games during the season, he led the team both offensively and as captain. His performance was a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing year for the Devils, who missed the playoffs.
The Devils and Swiss federation both stress that Hischier’s injury is minor, and no surgery is required. He is expected to have a normal summer recovery timeline.
As the World Championship continues without Hischier, Switzerland will look to secure a strong finish in Group B and push for a medal-round appearance. Meanwhile, the Devils organization will keep a close watch on all injured players, including their captain, with hopes of starting training camp in September with a fully healthy roster.
