Andrew Bell
The Arizona Coyotes brought back forward Christian Fischer on a two-year, one-way deal yesterday.
Originally a second-round pick of the Coyotes in 2015, Fischer had nine points (6 G, 3 A) in 2019-20. During his four-year career in a Yotes’ uniform, Fischer has played 213 games, registering 63 points in that span.
As a restricted free agent at the beginning of this offseason, the Chicago native received a qualifying offer and his new deal comes out with a two-year average annual value (AAV) of $1 million, according to CapFriendly.
“I’m happy to be a part of this team for two more years here and kind of continue what I’ve been through and continue what we’ve started since I got drafted here when I was 18,” Fischer said. “Obviously thrilled to be with the group we have here. It’s probably the closest group of guys I’ve ever played with on, and I think we are a really tight group.”
How it started: How it's going: pic.twitter.com/Oum1yreC6j
— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) October 19, 2020
At 6-foot-2, 214 pounds, Fischer is another power forward on the Coyotes roster, similar to that of John Hayden, Tyler Pitlick, and Johan Larsson, who all signed at the beginning of free agency.
Fischer hopes to improve on his skill set this offseason, trying to earn more frequent ice time with the group entering his next two years.
“For me personally, my skating is kind of the big thing for me being a bigger guy. I’ve always focused on that and I think over the years I’ve improved on that pretty well,” Fischer said. “I think that’s kind of when I feel my best and most confident when I’m always moving my feet and getting a lot of space for myself and other guys.”
The Coyotes still have work to do this offseason as they are currently a projected $2.8 million over the salary cap, but with the Fischer and free agent signings, the roster is starting to look more cemented for the upcoming season, if and when it begins. An official start date or schedule for the NHL has yet to be released in this unprecended pandemic climate.
