"Obviously from Switzerland, like since (I was) a kid, you follow what (Federer) does, and he definitely was an idol for me," Hischier said. "I definitely tried to take some things from him."
Shortly after Hischier was selected by the Devils with the No. 1 pick, the two met for the first time at the 2017 U.S. Open. Hearing him talk about that meeting, it was clear the moment was impactful for many reasons.
"I was a little starstruck," he said with a bashful smile. "That was pretty neat and a classy, classy guy. It was after a (match) and he had like 10 people there meeting him and I was just standing there. I felt bad because he's still sweating, probably wanted to go shower but he was so nice to everyone. So, it's really just like perfect."
If Federer, who played his final professional match Friday night, has a fan in Hischier, the feeling is mutual.
"We're very happy in Switzerland that we have such a great hockey player in the starting blocks who is hopefully going to be a great, great player," Federer said at the 2017 U.S. Open. "Hope he stays healthy. I'm only hearing great things about him. He's a good guy. Unbelievably talented. People predict a great future ahead of him."
Having seen first-hand the way Hischier interacts with fans, takes the time for all those waiting in line to meet him, it's as if he is describing his own experience with Federer from the eyes of fans who are waiting for Hischier.
"(He's a) really great example. I feel like he does everything right," Hischier said. "It seems like nobody's perfect, but I always say, if somebody is perfect, it's definitely him."
There has always been a maturity to Federer and the same can be said for the way Hischier carries himself. Brendan Smith didn't know Hischier when he joined the Devils this summer, but immediately he recognized the class in which the third-year captain carries himself.
"He's very mature," Smith said sharing his initial impressions. "That would be my first thought. And obviously, if you want to have a good captain in your organization you need as a young player, he's got to be mature, it becomes very difficult if you're not. (I see how) he holds himself on a day-to-day basis. Like, he wants to be a great captain and that's the first step. So, when I see that, that's very rewarding for the club."
Smith shared that despite just being a couple of days into camp, Hischier has already reached a new level in his captaincy. If Hischier looks to Federer as an example, he does too for the veterans in the Devils' locker room.
"That's another big thing, is when you want help to be a better you," Smith said, sharing he's already had chats with Hischier. "These are all the recipes to become a great captain. He's already a fantastic hockey player, but he wants to get better on and off the ice and I think that's what creates that legendary captain that can be around for a really long time. And he's asked the older guys for tips here and there and he just wants to be that guy. So for me, that's very rewarding. It's very awesome."
