The 18-year-old centre, who has been part of the national team who featured at the last three International Ice Hockey Federation World Under-18 Championships, was selected by the New Jersey Devils at the United Center.

Hischier, a member of the Swiss team at the 2016 World Junior Championship where he was the second youngest player, said his high pick was a surprise to him.

“On a scale of one to 10, I’d have to say getting picked number one was a 10 because I never expected this,” Hischier said.

“I had no idea where I was going, but just hearing my name was unbelievable.

“I hugged my mother first and she started to cry.”

The NHL Draft was first held in 1963 and allows teams from the league select available young players to add to their squad.

Eligible players up for grabs in the draft have to be aged between 18 and 20-years-old if they are North American.

Players from other continents can be selected if they are 21.

Teams make their selections one after the other during seven rounds, with the side getting the first pick being decided by a lottery with the outfits who did not qualify for the Stanley Cup playoffs.

NHL players are not set to feature at next year’s Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang.

The decision comes after the International Olympic Committee changed their policy on funding transportation of players to the Games.

Despite NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman saying the stars will not be going to South Korea, Pyeongchang 2018’s President Lee Hee-beom has said he is still hopeful they will feature.