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Top 25 u25 #10: Christian Fischer (RW)
Where did he come from?: Drafted #32 overall in 2015 by AZ
Has he played in the NHL yet?: Yes (7 games, 3 goals in 16/17)
About Christian Fischer:
The big power forward from Chicago, IL is poised to make his breakthrough into the Coyotes roster full time this year, after a seven-game audition last season that saw him score in his debut. At 6’2 and 214lbs “Fisch” is the ideal size for a power forward in today’s NHL, and more to the point he plays like the new breed of power forward, equally comfortable in his own end or going forward, screening the goalie or making plays with the puck. He’s positionally responsible, hard-working and has the kind of shot that’ll scare NHL goalies.
He led the Roadrunners in goal-scoring last year in the AHL, and was second in team points - showing that he’s probably outgrown that level and is ready for the NHL - indeed, in a lot of team systems he’d have already played far more than seven NHL games. The fact that in the Coyotes group of under-25’s such a player is only tenth on the list once again shows just how good the crop of young players is in the desert - there are some teams for whom he’d easily be in the top five. This year, perhaps, is the year where he makes the leap to the next level.
What’s next for Christian Fischer?
In many systems, this section would be simple - “what’s next is a regular NHL slot from the start of the season, probably on the top two lines”. In Arizona, though, due to the sheer wealth of young forward talent competing for a spot, Fischer may find himself starting the season down in the AHL once again. This isn’t a bad thing by any means - but there is certainly a spot to be won on the Coyotes in training camp for him - he’ll just need to battle with talent like Brendan Perlini, Lawson Crouse, Clayton Keller and Christian Dvorak to get it. His biggest rival is likely to be Crouse, as a very similar type of player. They’ll probably be competing for the same spot as a middle-six power forward, in fact.
Either way, whether he ends up in the AHL or starts the season in the big leagues, what’s next for Fischer is hopefully a replication of last season, only a year older and better.