Nico Hischier grew up in Switzerland with dreams of playing in the Winter Olympics, a goal that is now within reach as he aims to compete in Milan in February 2026. This season serves as a pivotal lead-up to that event, especially since NHL players have not participated in the Olympics since 2014. Hischier and the Devils will kick off their season in Prague against the Buffalo Sabres, marking the beginning of an international schedule that includes games in Finland and the 4 Nations Face-off, which is designed to build momentum for Olympic participation. Hischier is part of a broader excitement among players about representing their countries on the world stage, a sentiment echoed by NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman.