The New Jersey Devils chose Nico Hischier with their top pick in the NHL entry draft on Friday, making the slick centre the first Swiss player to be taken first overall in the annual selection of top prospects.
Pre-draft hype had focussed on Hischier and 18-year-old Canadian Nolan Patrick, with no consensus on who would be the top pick.
Patrick was taken second by the Philadelphia Flyers as the first round got underway at the United Center arena in Chicago.
It was the first time the entry draft was held in Chicago in 54 years and, with the inclusion of the expansion Vegas Golden Knights, boasted a record-high 31 teams.
Hischier is a skilled playmaker and can infuse the Devils with some much-needed offence.
“I am speechless,” Hischier said. “I don’t know what to say. It is an incredible feeling.”
Nino Niederreiter, who was taken fifth overall by the New York Islanders in 2010, was previously the Swiss player to go highest in the draft.
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