The Scouting Report:
Paul Fischer from River Forest, Illinois, born on January 30th, 2005, is a draft-eligible prospect for the 2023 NHL entry draft in Nashville. Fischer has been a steady depth piece for the US National Development Program U18 Team, posting four goals and 17 assists for 21 points in 56 games. Even more impressively, Fischer posted a plus/minus of plus 24. Listed at 6’1″ and 195 pounds, Fischer isn’t overly physical, but he will rough it up as needed.
Related Post: 2023 NHL Draft – Nashville
Ranked #76 by Inside The Rink
Ranked #58 by NHL Central Scouting (NA Skaters)
Ranked #89 by TSN/Craig Button
Ranked #84 by Draft Prospects Hockey
Ranked #69 by TSN/Bob McKenzie
Conrad Jack of Inside the Rink has Paul Fischer projected at 69th overall.
If Paul Fischer falls out of the third round, I will be incredibly shocked. Fischer plays a solidified depth role and does it exceptionally well. If any team needs a defensively-minded defenseman, Paul Fischer is your guy.
Diving Deeper:
I haven’t gotten to Paul Fischer’s attributes and areas for improvement, so let’s take a deeper dive into both of them.
Strong Puckmoving Abilities:
Paul Fischer is an outstanding puck mover, while he doesn’t post many points when playing, he certainly makes his presence known on the ice and not on the scoresheet. Fischer plays solid in his own end and defends transitions quite well. Fischer has also proven to be productive in any situation, regardless of his point totals.
“Any team looking for a mobile offensive defenceman will definitely be taking a look at Paul Fischer. He is a strong and mobile defenceman with offensive upside. His skating abilities are a major aspect of his game and he has the potential to become an elite skater at the next level.”
David Ciss – Prospects for Sports Illustrated
Areas for Improvement:
If Paul Fischer can improve his offensive skill set and add some weight and muscle to his deck of cards, he will be perfectly fine come draft day. There’s not a whole lot to pick away at here, and it shows when Paul Fischer plays.
On-Ice Abilities:
I’m really high on Paul Fischer as a player, and his playstyle shows why defensemen don’t have to be Erik Karlsson or Cale Makar nowadays. You can have a simple defensive playstyle and still crack an NHL roster.
Final Thoughts:
If Paul Fischer develops in the trajectory that he is on, Fischer has the potential to be a second or third-pairing defenseman who is a solid special unit defenseman. Most teams can use hard-working defensemen who love to play on the penalty kill and/or on the powerplay, and Paul Fischer can do just that.
Stats via Elite Prospects
Highlights via MyNHLDraft.com
