Christian Fischer
From a record-breaking six-second goal to a final career chapter with the Red Wings and Blue Jackets.
Christian Fischer is an American former professional ice hockey forward who played for the Arizona Coyotes, Detroit Red Wings, and Columbus Blue Jackets. Drafted 32nd overall by the Coyotes in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, he made his mark with a historic 6-second goal in the USHL before reaching the NHL level in January 2017. After spending the full 2017–18 season with Arizona and recording his first career hat trick against Columbus, Fischer joined the Detroit Red Wings on July 2, 2023. His tenure in Detroit ended when he was waived on March 5, 2025, leading to a brief stint with the Blue Jackets before his retirement announcement on July 4, 2025.
- Draft Year
- 2015
- Draft Position
- 32nd overall
- USHL Fastest Goal
- 6 seconds
- NHL Debut Date
- January 21, 2017
- Rookie Season Points (Arizona)
- 33 points in 79 games
- Hat Trick Date
- October 23
- Contract Signed with Detroit
- July 2, 2023 ($1.125 million)
- Waived by Detroit
- March 5, 2025
- Games with Columbus Blue Jackets
- 1
- Retirement Date
- July 4, 2025
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Fischer’s journey began in Chicago, where he registered 44 goals and 95 points across 77 games with the Chicago Mission Bantam AAA, Midget AAA, and U16 teams. Although selected in the 11th round of the 2013 OHL Priority Selection by Windsor Spitfires, he remained unsigned until joining the USA Hockey National Team Development Program. A defining moment occurred on March 5, 2015, when Fischer scored the fastest goal in USHL history just six seconds into a game against the Omaha Lancers. Following his draft selection by Arizona later that year, he signed a three-year entry-level contract on August 20, 2015, and immediately joined Windsor to complete his junior career. His professional ascent was rapid; after an amateur try-out with the Springfield Falcons in April 2016 where he tallied 3 points in 6 games, Fischer earned his NHL debut on January 21, 2017. In a 5–3 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning, he scored his first NHL goal from assists by Jamie McGinn and Alexander Burmistrov with just over two minutes left in the second period. He solidified his place as a core player during the 2017–18 season, finishing his rookie campaign with 33 points in 79 games. His offensive flair was on full display on October 23, when he recorded his first career NHL hat trick in a 4–1 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets.
In Their Own Story
By the time Fischer arrived at Mullett Arena in October 2022, the temporary home of the Arizona Coyotes shared with ASU Sun Devils had already seen history made. On October 28, Fischer scored the first NHL goal in the arena during the first period and quickly added a second goal later in that same frame. After playing his final season in Arizona and joining the Detroit Red Wings on July 2, 2023, with a one-year, $1.125 million contract, his career took an unexpected turn just over a year later. On March 5, 2025, Fischer was waived by the Red Wings. He was claimed by the Columbus Blue Jackets the following day but played only one game for them before his professional journey concluded. On July 4, 2025, Fischer announced his retirement from professional hockey to pursue a business opportunity in golf. This decision aligned with his known personal interests; he had officiated his sister's wedding in Wisconsin during the summer of 2022 and often cited golf as a favorite hobby alongside listening to Drake and going to the movies. Residing year-round in Scottsdale, Arizona, Fischer left behind a legacy that included not only NHL records but also two gold medals with the US National U17 and U18 teams, where he accumulated 3 goals and 11 assists.
Reader's Guide
Fans looking to understand Christian Fischer's career should note his specific timeline and statistical milestones. He was drafted 32nd overall in 2015 by Arizona and played for the Detroit Red Wings from July 2, 2023, until his waiver on March 5, 2025. His only game with the Columbus Blue Jackets occurred after being claimed on March 6, 2025. For those interested in his junior stats, he scored 44 goals and 95 points in 77 games across three seasons with Chicago Mission before joining the USA Hockey National Team Development Program. Key records to remember include his fastest goal in USHL history (6 seconds) on March 5, 2015, and being the first player to score two goals in Mullett Arena. His NHL debut came against Tampa Bay on January 21, 2017, and his sole hat trick occurred on October 23 during a game versus Columbus. When researching his international play, look for his participation with the National U17 Team in January 2014 and the National U18 Team in 2015.
Did You Know?
- Fischer scored the fastest goal in USHL history just six seconds into a game against the Omaha Lancers on March 5, 2015.
- He was selected in the 11th round of the 2013 OHL Priority Selection but did not sign until joining Windsor Spitfires in August 2015.
- Fischer scored the first two NHL goals ever recorded at Mullett Arena on October 28, 2022.
- He won two gold medals with the US National U17 and U18 teams, recording a total of 3 goals and 11 assists across those tournaments.
- Fischer announced his retirement on July 4, 2025, specifically to pursue a business opportunity in golf.