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DETROIT – Camaraderie was a key element of the Detroit Red Wings’ identity last season, and one of the team’s most charismatic players is returning for the 2024-25 season.

On July 1, the Red Wings announced the re-signing of Christian Fischer to a one-year contract. The 27-year-old forward expressed his desire to return, saying he enjoyed his first season in Detroit and knew it was where he wanted to be.

“This is where I wanted to be,” Fischer shared during a Zoom call with the media on July 8. “I told my agent that right at the end of the season. I really enjoyed my time with the guys last year. My heart was 100 percent set on Detroit. Obviously, you can’t say that when you’re a free agent, but the internal discussions were always about coming back here.”

Fischer brought depth and energy to the Red Wings last season, contributing 19 points (five goals, 14 assists) in 77 games. While he was satisfied with his overall play, Fischer admitted he didn’t meet his own offensive expectations.

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“I know I should be well over the double-digit goal mark,” Fischer said. “I wasn’t as dialed in last year and didn’t have the best fortune with point totals, but that’s not my biggest concern. That’s never going to be how I’m really measured in performance.”

Fischer aims to make an impact both on and off the ice, a mindset he has maintained throughout his eight-year NHL career.

“I take a lot of pride in how I’ve gotten to where I am, how I got into this league, and how I’ve sustained my career,” Fischer said. “A big emphasis is just playing the right way. I probably do myself a disservice by not focusing on point totals, but I pride myself on being a really good teammate, always showing up, and working my hardest.”

That attitude is a significant reason why the Red Wings re-signed Fischer, according to Executive Vice President and General Manager Steve Yzerman.

“He’s a very popular player on our team,” Yzerman said of Fischer. “He’s versatile on the ice. His character, personality, and the role he’s going to play on our team were the biggest factors in bringing him back.”

Both competitive and outgoing, Fischer helped Detroit finish last season with its most wins (41) and points (91) since the 2015-16 season. He said the Red Wings are more determined than ever to improve this season after narrowly missing the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

“I don’t think anyone was too happy with how things ended last season,” Fischer said. “As athletes and hockey players, every returning guy probably has a little more motivation this summer to take that next step. Whatever it may be, just to improve your game. It doesn’t get any closer than coming down to a tiebreaker.”