Detroit Red Wings: 3 players flying under the radar right now

Christian Fischer

Christian Fischer is someone who can really help the Detroit Red Wings.

Forward Christian Fischer will be playing his first season in Detroit after signing a 1-year/ $1.25 million contract on July 2, 2023.

He is a player that was signed for his defense and gritty play instead of his offensive capabilities. Last season while playing for the Arizona Coyotes, he recorded 13 goals and 14 assists for 27 points in 80 games.

He also had 20 penalty minutes, 37 blocked shots, and 126 hits in an average of 15 minutes per night.

Fischer is a Kirk Maltby-type player. He will not make highlight reel plays in the offensive zone but he will play a physical game, get in front of the net, make life miserable for the opposition, and live on the penalty kill.

He, like Berggren, can play multiple positions, likely center and right wing. He gives depth and scoring to the bottom six and can win games single-handed with his defense.

He is likely to start the season in the bottom six but could make the most of an opportunity and play in the middle six if needed.

Fischer is the type of player Detroit needed in their lineup with Tyler Bertuzzi off to the Toronto Maple Leafs. He could be a key player down the stretch and in the playoffs as he plays a style that can help the defense in critical situations.