"I always heard about how good [Hischier] was because he was playing in my hometown," Josi said.
Hischier had one goal in 15 games for Bern in National League A in 2015-16, before joining Halifax and winning 2017 Canadian Hockey League Rookie of the Year.
"When we first got together, I actually didn't know who [Hischier] was but we were practicing and running drills and I was thinking, 'This kid is unreal', so I found out", Josi said. "The skill set at his age is unbelievable. He's going to grow and get stronger. I remember when I was 18, there was no way I could have played in the NHL. Nico is going to be a superstar in this League for a long time."
Josi, chosen in the second round (No. 38) of the 2008 NHL Draft by the Predators, was 21 when he began his NHL career in 2011-12. He looks forward to playing against Hischier in the NHL for the first time.
"It's always fun playing against Swiss guys and it's definitely going to be a lot of fun playing against Nico since he was the first overall pick from the country," Josi said. "That's a huge step for our hockey country and something that's never been accomplished. We're all very proud of Nico in Switzerland, and I'll expect his best game against us.
"It's not going to be easy."
Josi said what stood out most about Hischier when he skated with him last summer was his maturity.
"He's just a really complete player," Josi said. "He skates really well; is explosive. He makes great passes and has a great shot too, so he's got all the tools. Obviously, his hockey sense is off the charts."