The 2017 NHL Entry Draft is a moment etched in the minds of New Jersey Devils fans. Holding the coveted first overall pick, the Devils selected Nico Hischier, a dynamic Swiss center from the Halifax Mooseheads. However, a recent revelation from former Devils goaltender Cory Schneider has cast a new light on the team's draft-day deliberations. According to Schneider, the Devils' management team seriously considered drafting Cale Makar, a defenseman who was ultimately selected fourth overall by the Colorado Avalanche.
Schneider shared this previously unknown tidbit on his podcast, sparking considerable discussion among hockey analysts and fans. The claim that the Devils weighed the option of drafting Makar over Hischier adds an intriguing layer to the narrative surrounding the 2017 draft and prompts a re-evaluation of what might have been.
At the time, Nico Hischier was widely considered a top prospect. Hailing from Switzerland, he showcased exceptional offensive skills, a high hockey IQ, and strong skating abilities. His performances at the World Junior Championships and with the Halifax Mooseheads solidified his status as a potential first-overall pick. Scouts praised his two-way game and leadership qualities, envisioning him as a future cornerstone player for the Devils.
Cale Makar, on the other hand, was rapidly ascending the draft rankings. A dynamic skater with exceptional offensive instincts, Makar was lauded for his ability to create scoring chances and transition the puck effectively. However, some scouts questioned his defensive capabilities and physical strength, particularly against larger, more experienced opponents. Despite these concerns, Makar's offensive upside was undeniable, making him an intriguing option for teams seeking a game-changing defenseman.
Ultimately, the Devils opted for Hischier, believing he possessed the qualities to become a franchise center. Hischier immediately joined the NHL. In 2021, Hischier was named captain of the Devils, a testament to his leadership qualities and commitment to the team.
Cale Makar, drafted by the Colorado Avalanche, has become one of the league's premier defensemen. Makar won the Calder Memorial Trophy as rookie of the year in 2020. In the 2021-22 season, he won the Norris Trophy as the league's best defenseman and the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player in the Stanley Cup playoffs, leading the Avalanche to their first championship since 2001. He secured a second Norris Trophy in the 2024-25 season.
Hindsight is always 20/20, and it's easy to second-guess draft-day decisions. However, it's important to consider the context in which these decisions are made. In 2017, the Devils were in desperate need of a franchise center, and Nico Hischier fit that bill perfectly. While Cale Makar has undoubtedly become a superstar, there's no guarantee he would have achieved the same level of success in New Jersey. The Devils' development path, team dynamics, and Makar's own adaptability could have significantly altered his trajectory.
Schneider's revelation serves as a reminder of the complex and often unpredictable nature of the NHL Draft. Teams meticulously scout and analyze prospects, but ultimately, they must make educated guesses based on limited information. Sometimes those guesses pay off handsomely, and other times they fall short of expectations. The 2017 NHL Entry Draft will forever be remembered as the year the New Jersey Devils selected Nico Hischier, but thanks to Cory Schneider, it will also be remembered as the year they considered Cale Makar.
