Former Detroit Red Wings forward Christian Fischer has called it quits, despite only completing his age-27 season. Fischer suited up for the Wings in 124 games, logging six goals and 26 points while primarily playing fourth-line minutes.
He spent most of his career with the Arizona Coyotes on their bottom six. Known mainly as a hitter and defensive forward, Fischer's best season came during his 2017-18 campaign with the Yotes when he finished the season with 33 points and 15 goals. He also found the net five times on the man advantage that season.
While Fischer looked destined to play only fourth-line minutes for the rest of his career after the Red Wings put him on waivers and he signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets, he decided to hang up the skates for good. That may leave some fans asking why.
Christian Fischer hung up the skates on his own terms for something good
In a conversation with The Athletic, Fischer said, “Probably in the last year or two, I’ve really thought about just kind of what I want to do with my life, and what makes me happy, and spending time with my friends and family. And obviously, listen, I know if I were to play another five or six years, I could do that when I’m 34, 35, I understand that. … It’s what makes me happy, and it’s what I want to do, and I’ve got a great business opportunity to (pursue) and be around my family more, and just basically move on that way.”
There's absolutely nothing wrong with this. Fischer has his priorities in order, and that's the big takeaway here. Even if he were still a member of the Red Wings and if he produced like a top-six player as opposed to someone on the bottom six, I still wouldn't have any issues with an early retirement.
Especially if you feel you have better options with the opportunities that lay ahead as opposed to hockey, you go for them. And while I get that it's a privilege for Fischer and the 750-plus players who'll suit up this year for NHL teams, doing what's best for you and your unique situation is what counts at the end of the day.
Christian Fischer took the high road in an early retirement
This early retirement also shows us that Fischer proved he doesn't need hockey in his life, at least as far as suiting up for the NHL game and skating in front of thousands of fans in an arena goes, to be content. That says a lot, since it seems like a contingent of players tend to cling to the game even when they're long past their respective primes.
Fischer didn't need that, and whatever opportunities he has down the road, he's probably going to excel in them. So, best of luck to this former Red Wing as he moves on to open the next door while the door to his NHL career closes.
