The Detroit News’s Ted Kulfan reexamined Red Wings free agent signing Christian Fischer’s remarks from his introductory press conference on Thursday afternoon, noting that Fischer’s ties to the Wings were the reason that he signed with Detroit:
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.”
Continued; Fischer is a middle-to-bottom-of-the-lineup penalty-killer and physical presence, but you need players who want to excel in supporting roles to succeed as a team at any and every level.
