Today, unsigned Oilers prospect Paul Fischer made news by making the cut for Team USA's World Juniors roster, and one insider has said it's guaranteed that Edmonton will sign him soon.
Fischer is a 19 year old left shot defenceman with the University of Notre Dame in NCAA. According to Bruce Curlock, Fischer has an outside chance to make the USA roster, but more of a chance to earn a contract with the Oilers afterward.
Oilers Prospect Paul Fischer Named to Team USA Roster, Edmonton Looking to Sign Him
Fischer was drafted by the St. Louis Blues in the 5th round of the 2023 NHL Draft, and the Edmonton Oilers acquired Fischer in a throw-in trade after the offer sheets from the Blues, along with a third round draft pick.
According to Curlock on Oilers Nation, Fischer profiles as a very smooth skater and a physical, defensive player. If he can improve his puck-moving and offensive abilities, he could begin to rise up the Oilers prospect ranks.
"[Fischer] is a very composed and fluid skater. He makes nice transition turns and has no real weakness in a change of direction. His overall mechanics are very solid For Fischer, the key is to improve on the offensive side of the ledger."
- Bruce Curlock
So far this season with Notre Dame, Fischer's record 9 assists in 16 games. That's decent production, but his shot needs to improve to see the goal total rise from 0.
It's a great sign for now that Fischer's earned the recognition of one of the best 30 American players under 20 years old. The Edmonton Oilers would be smart to get him under contract soon if his stock is continuing to rise. Stan Bowman is reportedly very high on Fischer.
The Edmonton Oilers also had defenceman Beau Akey named to Team Canada's training camp roster this morning.
Losing Philip Broberg was a major blow to the Edmonton Oilers defence talent for now and years to come. It'd be fantastic if the Oilers were able to salvage any of that if Fischer turns out to be a decent player.
Hopefully, both players can put together a good performance at the World Juniors, taking a step forward in their development against the best competition for their age, and perhaps raising their trade value in the process.
