Christian Fischer: Colorado Avalanche 2015 Draft Prospect
The 2014-15 season was unfortunately cut short for the Colorado Avalanche. That means that here at Mile High Sticking, we have a long off-season ahead of us. While the off-season is filled with all different kinds of articles, regarding the playoffs (that we are unfortunately not a part of), Avalanche season reviews, and many other things, it also gives us time to focus on the Colorado Avalanche 2015 NHL Draft.
By all accounts Christian Fischer is a gritty power forward. Let’s have a closer look at the young man out of the US National Team Development Program.
Christian Fischer, Colorado Avalanche Draft Prospect
Position: Right wing/center
Shoots: Right
Height/weight: 6’1″ and 212 pounds
Team: US National Team Development Program
Stats:
GP | G | A | P | PIM | +/- |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
66 | 31 | 33 | 64 | 22 | 16 |
Pro comparison: Dustin Brown
NHL potential: Third line with the ability to step up; penalty killer
Risk: 2.5/5 Reward: 3/5
Draft range: second round, NHL.com = #37 N.A. skaters
Christian Fischer Scouting Report
Forward Christian Fischer — he’s comfortable on both center and right wing — is a self-described power forward. In an interview with Hockey Prospect, Fischer said of his game:
"“I’m a power forward, protect the puck real well and can score some goals.”"
Fischer is all about puck possession and delivering big hits. He’s not a huge player at 6-foot-1, 212 pounds, but he plays with every ounce of his size. Along the Boards calls him a “coachable player” who’s “willing to do whatever it takes to help his team win.”
Hockey scouts also praise his two-way game. He plays all 200 feet of the rink and is consistent on both the forecheck and backcheck — that happens when you’re into puck possession.
I compare Christian Fischer to Dustin Brown of the LA Kings because Brown’s also known for his big hits. More significantly, more than one hockey scout has praised Fischer for his leadership skills. Some say he’s destined to become a captain in the NHL.
Fischer is not known as a pure goal scorer, fantastic skater or sniper, so that’s likely why he’s projected to get drafted in the second round.
However, Fischer did set the USHL record for fastest goal scored:
Fit with the Colorado Avalanche
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Christian Fischer is a big, gritty power forward who works hard and is “coachable.” Head coach — and VP of hockey operations — Patrick Roy is sure to have taken a look at Fischer. Those are all qualities coach Roy has stated he values.
In fact, Fischer’s scouting report reminds me a little of Conner Bleackley, whom the Avalanche picked with their #23 draft pick in 2014. Like Bleackley, who was seemingly overwhelmed by his first NHL training camp, Fischer is likely to need two to four years to mature into NHL material.
That said, when Fischer does arrive on the NHL scene, he would be a great third line center who can jump up into the top-six if needed. With his strength on the puck and defensive instincts, he’d also be a boon on the penalty kill.
NHL.com has Fischer scouted at #37 for North American skaters. The Avalanche have pick #40 in the second round of the 2015 NHL Draft. If Fischer is still available, he’d be a good selection for Colorado.
Next: Avs Star of the Week: Calvin Pickard
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- 4 goalies to replace Pavel Francouz if he has to miss time
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- Colorado Avalanche rookie face-off tournament roster