Notebook: Fischer fishing for roster spot
David Guralnick / The Detroit News
September 10, 1999

TRAVERSE CITY -- Playing against teammates in scrimmages is one thing. Now, the Red Wings will get to see how much defenseman Jiri Fischer has developed in more competitive situations.

"He should be judged on how he plays against NHL teams with some of our good defensemen," Coach Scotty Bowman said. "Right now, it's tough to judge him because he's playing against our team ... how he plays against NHL teams, that's how you judge him."

With five exhibition games in the next seven days, there's plenty of opportunity to see whether Fischer -- who scored the winning goal in the Red team's 2-1 victory over the White team in Thursday's "gold-medal" scrimmage -- is ready to grab the open spot on defense.

Or will it be Jesse Wallin or Yan Golubovsky? Or maybe even Maxim Kuznetsov?

"He (Fischer) has the most riding on it, because it's either here or junior," Bowman said. "There's a lot of pressure on him."

Fischer, 19, would be sent to Hull (Quebec Junior League) for the season if he doesn't stick on the NHL roster.

He deflects any talk of pressure, saying everyone in camp is looking to impress the coaching staff and earn a job on the Red Wings.

"I came here with hopes of making the team," said Fischer, who followed an All-Star season in juniors with a strong performance in the Wings' prospects camp.

"Probably it'll be tough (to make the team), but we'll see after training camp. They (the Wings) haven't told me anything but just go out there and play your game, do your best. Of course you try to do something extra."

Bowman said Fischer reminds him a little of Larry Robinson, when Robinson was a prospect in the Montreal system.

"Because he's big, strong and thinks a good game," Bowman said. "Whether he (Fischer) develops, it's up to him."