Fischer looms large in Wings' plans

Rugged defenseman has chance to stick with big club as a teen-ager

By Ted Kulfan / The Detroit News

TROY -- How did defenseman Jiri Fischer, who was rated a top-10 prospect in last year's draft, slide all the way to the 25th pick? Ask scouts around the NHL and you get a puzzled look, and a shrug. They're still mystified today when asked why Fischer fell so far. No one knows why he was there, but the Wings are ecstatic he was available when their turn came.

"You can tell this kid has a presence about him," goaltending consultant Jim Bedard said during the Wings prospects mini-camp Thursday at Troy Sports Center. "He has a sense of leadership and his work ethic is second to none, especially for someone his age."

Fischer, who will turn 19 on July 31, is likely to return to Hull of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League this season and gain another season of experience before turning pro.

That would be the customary route for a highly regarded prospect such as Fischer.

But there could be a spot available for a young player such as Fischer, a 6-foot-5, 210-pounder, on the Wings' defense. He is that good.

"It would be a big jump," said Fischer, a native of the Czech Republic. "But one thing I noticed last year in Traverse City (training camp), and playing one exhibition game, was everyone plays their position and is disciplined, and that might make the transition (to the NHL) easier. It's a different game."

Fischer made a favorable impression in training camp last year, then had an all-star season in Hull. He had 22 goals (15 on the power play) and 56 assists, and his 78 points were second among defensemen in the league. His shot is NHL-caliber, and his offensive instincts are solid.

Fischer showed a rugged side, too, amassing 141 penalty minutes. He wants to show the teams that bypassed him in the NHL draft that they were wrong.

"It was something I didn't forget," Fischer said of the draft-day experience. "It motivated me to be a better player every game last season."

General Manager Ken Holland wouldn't mind seeing Fischer play another season of junior hockey. It would be the prudent thing to do. But if certain things break, Fischer might be too good to keep away.

"If anybody can make our team at that age, in our organization, it's Jiri Fischer," Holland said. "He's far exceeded our expectations. We think he's going to be a top-three defenseman. But we want him to develop at his own pace. We're definitely not going to rush him."