Young defenseman improves Oilers' prospect pool considerably
Photo credit: USA Today Sports
The Oilers' future on defense seems even more promising now with the addition of Notre Dame Fighting Irish defenseman Paul Fischer to the prospect pool.
In a deal that saw St Louis acquire Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway last summer, GM Stan Bowman insisted that promising defenseman Paul Fischer be included.
Stan Bowman's familiarity with Chicago Blackhawks' system pays dividends for Oilers
When he was Chicago's general manager, Stan Bowman saw plenty of the young defense-prospect.
«I've known him [Fischer] a long time, he's grown up here in Chicago, I've seen him since he was a kid playing hundreds of games over the years. He went to the US National Team and he was trending really well; he got injured his draft year so probably didn't get drafted where his talent level was He's a good sized kid, he's got a combination of everything...he's a character kid who will do everything he can to improve.»
The accolades for the 20-year Notre Dame defenseman go beyond the Oilers' GM. In fact, Scott Wheeler of The Athletic listed Fischer as the Oilers' 7th best prospect.
«Fischer started off strong with the national program and generated some second-round consideration early on in his draft year on a USA blue line that took some time to sort out its roles and top players. From there, he's been a good player in college and has played in two World Juniors. I expect the Oilers will sign him in the next year or two. I'm just not sure what his game will look like beyond becoming a solid AHL defenseman. He plays a heady, controlled game.
There's not much that can be said about a defenseman with such high expectations and upside, unless your Oilers' prospect expert Bruce Curlock. He says Fischer is a powerful skater who uses his ability to get out of trouble in the d-zone, and has also developed some offense in his game.
Fischer has the ability to join the rush and create opportunities for his teammates. On a squad with the likes of McDavid and Draisaitl, it is a useful skill to have - he should fit in quite nicely.
TRENDING NOW
