'Played A Pretty Big Role On That Team': Oilers' Prospect Paul Fischer Gets USA Camp Invite, Why Stan Bowman Traded For Him After Philip Broberg Offer Sheet

EDMONTON -- Some fans want to forget about August 20, 2024.

On that date, the Edmonton Oilers announced that they would not match the offer sheets for Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg. While their cap space freed up tremendously, the Oilers lost two of their fastest players.

However, that transaction had a connected move that flew under the radar. The Oilers received Paul Fischer and a 2028 third-round pick for future considerations.

Fischer is a 6-foot-1, 201 lbs left-handed defender in his second year of playing NCAA hockey.

From a points perspective, he recorded 16 points in 34 games last year. This season, he currently has nine points in 16 games.

Prospect Beau Akey was invited to Team Canada's World Juniors Camp earlier today. Shortly after, Fischer was invited to the same camp for Team USA.

Clearly, Stan Bowman is a fan of Fischer, as he and Doug Armstrong organized the transaction that brought him to Edmonton.

Who Is Paul Fischer?

The 19-year-old defender was drafted in the fifth round, 138th overall. In his draft year, he played for the US NTDP, recording 21 points in 56 games for the program. He also played 22 USHL games, recording six points.

But points aren't everything when it comes to hockey.

David Ciss of Sports Illustrated Prospects said, "Fischer is a strong and mobile defenseman 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."

Before the trade to Edmonton, The Hockey News' Tony Ferrari listed Fischer as a notable defenseman in the St. Louis Blues prospect pool.

When the Oilers decided not to match the offer sheets on Holloway and Broberg, Bowman spoke about his own connections to Fischer.

"I've known Paul Fischer a long time. I've seen him since he was a kid playing," Bowman revealed. "He got injured in his draft year, so he probably didn't get drafted where his talent level was."

"He emerged as a freshman defenseman (for Notre Dame) and played a pretty big role on that team."

Bowman then discussed a few of Fischer's attributes.

"He's really got a combination of everything," Bowman stated. "He's a character kid that's going to do everything he can to improve."

This should be music to the ears of everyone who follows the Oilers. It sounds like the team acquired a really good player who could make the NHL sooner rather than later.

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