Detroit — Christian Fischer spent seven seasons in Arizona, but Fischer knew when he entered free agency on July 1 that he wasn’t going back.
Fischer wasn’t given a qualifying offer by the Phoenix Coyotes, making him an unrestricted free agent. Teams called and expressed interest, but Fischer’s mind kept wandering toward the Red Wings.
After talking with Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman, and assistant coaches Bob Boughner and Jay Varady— both of whom have worked with Fischer in the past — the Wings seemed like a natural fit.
“I have a personal relationship with both of them,” Fischer said after signing a one-year deal with the Wings worth $1.125 million. “I know they’re not going to cookie-cutter it for me. They’re going to tell me exactly what they’re looking for and why they wanted me and why they thought I’d be a good fit.
Varady, who was a Coyotes assistant from 2018-22, appears to have clinched the decision.
“He reached out and we spoke for a good 10-20 minutes,” Fischer said. “Something about that phone call really just resonated with me. It kind of felt like the right pick. After speaking to Jay and talking to Steve, I was really motivated, and it felt right. I feel like I can help this team win.”
The comfort level doesn’t end with the assistant coaches, either.
“I know Dylan Larkin pretty well through the USA (hockey development) program. (Shayne) Gostisbehere is a really close friend of mine (from time with the Coyotes). I know the (Andrew) Copp family well,” Fischer said. “I’m familiar with Detroit and know how well the organization is run from top down.
“It feels right here.”
Fischer, 27, had 13 goals and 14 assists (27 points) in 80 games with the Coyotes, the most points since Fischer set career highs in goals (15), assists (18) and points (33) as a rookie in 2017-18.
At 6-foot-2, 212 pounds, Fischer supplies the size Yzerman was looking for to complement the Wings’ lineup. Fischer is effective on the penalty-kill, and has shown the ability to provide secondary scoring, something winning teams need.
“I know I have potential to score a lot of goals in this league,” Fischer said. “Obviously, if you’re not playing power play or top-six minutes, you’re not scoring 30 goals. I’m more confident to be around the 15-goal mark most every year.”
Still, it’s on the defensive side of the puck that Fischer thrives.
“I value playing the (defensive) side of the puck,” Fischer said. “Over my years in Arizona, I’ve really solidified a role of playing a lot, and for the last three or four years, I was taking every defensive-zone draw with our team’s top line. I was (penalty-killing) as one of the first guys out the front door.
“I’d like to say I do a lot of those dirty things. They’re not goals and assists but everyone knows that’s how you win hockey games.”
Yzerman is pleased with the ingredients Fischer can bring to the Wings.
“Christian is a real good checker, straight up and down right winger,” Yzerman said. “He’ll kill penalties and can check. Another right winger, a right-shot (option). We targeted specific needs and we were able to address those.
“His role as a right winger was something of need, a little bit bigger guy. I won’t speak for (coach) Derek (Lalonde), but, at times, he likes a big matchup line, a defensive line, and Christian helps on the right side.”
Fischer also has the personality to keep the locker room loose and fun during the long, grinding season. Fischer displayed a fun-loving personality on a Zoom call with reporters upon signing with the Wings, complete with wearing a Bushwood Country Club golf cap on the call, the fictional club in the ever-popular Caddyshack movie.
“I enjoy Caddyshack,” Fischer said. “I’m a big golfer. You’ll be seeing a bunch of golf hats coming in the door here soon.
“I’m a very outgoing personality. I love chatting with whoever. We’re beyond blessed to play this game. To play in this league is incredible. Every day that we’re showing up to the rink should be a pretty good day, regardless of the situation. I love having fun. You’ll always see me with a smile on my face. It’s always a good day when you wake up. I love showing up and working with the boys. It’s fun to be out there battling with them and getting two points.”
Gostisbehere got to know Fischer well in two seasons and believes there’s another segment of the hockey population in Detroit that will enjoy Fischer.
“You guys (the media) are going to love him,” Gostisbehere said. “He’s a good media guy, I’ll tell you that. Just a great guy.”
Fischer enjoyed his time in Arizona but was worn by the constant speculation about the Coyotes moving to another city. The chance to plant some roots in Detroit, and playing in a hockey hotbed, is exciting.
“It’s not normal; I know that’s for certain,” said Fischer of the uncertainty in Arizona. “I’d be lying if it wasn’t annoying hearing that (the speculation) every week. I haven’t had 15-20,000 people cheering for you and on your side, as crazy as it is after being (398) games in the NHL. It’s pretty fun to have that kind of first crack at it. What a 180 going from Arizona to Detroit.”
ted.kulfan@detroitnews.com
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