Nico Hischier signed a seven-year, $50.75 million contract with the New Jersey Devils on Friday. It has an average annual value of $7.25 million and begins with the 2020-21 season.

"It's not a secret, I want to win a [Stanley] Cup here," Hischier told the Devils website. "It's not going to be easy, we know that, but that's the goal, 100 percent.

The 20-year-old center, who was the No. 1 pick by New Jersey in the 2017 NHL Draft, could have become a restricted free agent July 1, 2020.

"I like the direction the organization is going in and the confidence they give me is all a player can ask for," Hischier said. "We have a young, exciting team, and I am driven to try my best to help the team succeed every day. I was really welcomed here from Day One, and I have always felt that I wanted to be part of the Devils."

Hischier, who did not play in a 5-2 win against the New York Rangers on Thursday because of an upper-body injury, has two assists in six games this season.

"It's great to have him locked up, long term, as we move forward," Devils general manager Ray Shero said. "When he's happy, he knows it, and he knows how he's treated. He knows how he can have success here, and he likes everything about living here. ... I think Nico is a foundational piece for us. ... We are excited that he will continue to play a prominent role with us for many years to come."

Devils coach John Hynes mentioned one of the League's best all-around centers when discussing what Hischier bring to New Jersey's lineup.

"He's a center who can play top line minutes, he can play against other teams best players. I think in the future, he's going to be a Selke Award winner. He has all the attributes and makings of a player like a (Boston Bruins center) Patrice Bergeron type of player," Hynes said. "He can play in all situations, power play and penalty kill. It's hard to be good up the middle of the ice as a center and I think when you look at teams that win in the league they have strong depth and particular a one-two punch down the middle at center. Nico is that guy now but he's just going to get better."

In three seasons with the Devils, Hischier has 101 points (37 goals, 64 assists) in 157 regular-season games and one assist in five Stanley Cup Playoff games.

"I think we talked about a lot of stuff, and I told [Shero] that I liked it here," Hischier said. "I like what direction we're going. And he said he gives me the confidence I need. That's I think all the player can ask for, so that's why I like it here."