<p data-start="0" data-end="339">It was a busy weekend for the NCAA and WHL prospects, as most teams are now in full swing and playing multiple games on the weekends. Not only was it a busy weekend, but it was a good weekend for the Oilers’ NCAA and CHL pipeline, as multiple players were finding their names on the scoresheets and putting together some tidy performances.</p>
<p data-start="0" data-end="339"></p>
<h2>Paul Fischer – Defenceman – Notre Dame University</h2>
<p>The former <a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/edmonton-oilers-summer-2025-prospect-countdown-9-paul-fischer">St. Louis Blues selection</a> had himself an excellent weekend, even though Notre Dame lost both their games by scores of 5-3 and 7-2. In the two games played this weekend, Fischer ended up with a goal and an assist while registering six shots on net. In the first game of the weekend against Arizona State University, the Fighting Irish defenceman played over 24:00 minutes, but in game two against Quinnipiac, Fischer only played about 17:00 minutes due to taking a 10-minute unsportsmanlike misconduct. The American-born defenceman impressed me with his ability to create offence with and without the puck. Below are two clips of Fischer using his lateral movement to create offence, and he gets rewarded with a power-play goal, as you will see in the second of the two clips.</p>
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Paul Fischer Oct 10 - Good Lateral Movement" width="1424" height="801" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/03-L3n0wze8?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Paul Fischer Oct 10 - PPG" width="1424" height="801" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EiuyMSU_MZU?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<p>I didn’t ever see this in Fischer’s game last year. The confidence and skill with the puck he possesses now has me very intrigued about his future as a prospect. The confidence also translated over to his ability to start, join, and lead transitions. Notre Dame looked disconnected offensively in both games, and Fischer was taking every opportunity possible to get involved offensively to help out the struggling Fighting Irish offence. Below is a clip of the six-foot-one defender starting the rush with a breakout pass, filling the centre lane, and being first on the forecheck.</p>
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Paul Fischer Oct 11 - Breakout Pass and Activates on the Rush" width="1424" height="801" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kU03UVOH_uo?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<p data-start="1765" data-end="2346">It doesn’t matter who you are now in the NHL. Every player has to be able to pass the puck and provide some sort of help offensively. Whether it is by having a great first pass, having the ability to beat forecheckers with your feet, or constantly being active in the offensive zone, you have to help with the offence in some way. Below is a clip that shows a great example of helping create offence in a simple way, as Fischer makes a great breakout pass and follows it up, eventually becoming an option for his teammate. It leads to a chance on net by the former Blues selection.</p>
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Paul Fischer Oct 11 - Good Sequence of Plays" width="1424" height="801" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wTU6N0mDfVE?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<p>Now that’s an example of a simple way to help out the offence. In the next and final clip, Paul Fischer shows that he can make plays under pressure, but what impressed me the most is how proactive he is. Every move seems to be calculated when he has the puck.</p>
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Paul Fischer Oct 10 - Steal and Good Look Across Ice" width="1424" height="801" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NtXuDlQ9U9g?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<p>Although Notre Dame lost both games this weekend, it wasn’t because of the play of Paul Fischer. The 2023 fifth-rounder was a bright spot this weekend and has shown a steady progression from last year. Keep an eye on Fischer this year; he has a very intriguing two-way package to work with.</p>
<h2>The Michigan Wolverines</h2>
<p>Aidan Park and Asher Barnett are still playing in bottom-of-the-lineup roles, but that is not due to their skill set. Michigan is a deep roster, and they showed it this weekend as they beat seventh-ranked Providence by a score of 5-1 on Friday and 3-1 on Saturday. Asher Barnett is a stalwart on the first penalty-killing unit that has only allowed one power-play goal in twelve tries to start the year. Aidan Park also has his special-teams role, as he is on the second power-play unit for the Wolverines. Park managed to get an assist in the first game against Providence; it’s not a pretty one, but good things happen when you take the puck to the middle of the ice.</p>
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Aidan Park Oct 10 - Assist" width="1424" height="801" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/V51iC9OMmqc?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<p>The two Michigan men have settled in nicely to their new college roles, as both players are used to being top-of-the-lineup guys. Michigan has been good at spreading the time out for players; Barnett is slotted in on the third pair, but the fifth-rounder consistently plays 17:00 minutes a night. The same goes for Park, as he is pencilled in on the fourth line but plays about 15:00 minutes a night at the moment. Great start for the Wolverines, as they are riding a four-game winning streak and everything is clicking at the moment.</p>
<h2>The WHLers</h2>
<p>Would you look at that: <a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/edmonton-oilers-smart-bet-key-skill-david-lewandowski-draft-pick">David Lewandowski</a> and <a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/tommy-lafreniere-drafted-edmonton-oilers-connor-mcdavid-leon-draisaitl-i-cant-even-believe-my-name-is-in-a-sentence-with-those-two">Tommy Lafrenière</a> faced off against each other on October 11, with Lewandowski getting the better of the Blazers as he scored a goal off a beautiful deflection shown below.</p>
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe loading="lazy" title="David Lewandowski Oct 11 - PPG" width="1424" height="801" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zP0TEc9htvo?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<p>Lewandowski is now tied for seventh in the WHL with 12 points in seven games. The German’s dual offensive ability continues to shine with his knack for making complicated passes, but he’s also been showing off his shooting ability more, too. Below is my favourite clip of Lewandowski’s from the weekend, because he makes the pass look so simple under pressure.</p>
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe loading="lazy" title="David Lewandowski Oct 11 - Good Backcheck and Pass" width="1424" height="801" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7gp73-NdSk4?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<p>A beautiful pass under the stick of the Blazers player turning around. Now, even though Tommy Lafrenière didn’t get on the board in Saskatoon, the third-rounder still showed well. Lafrenière is playing in every situation, and the minutes match that; not only are his minutes up, but his shot totals are as well. The Blazers centre is averaging an outstanding 4.6 shots per game; the chances are coming, and they are starting to fall, as Lafrenière scored two goals today (Oct. 13), including the overtime winner to beat the Regina Pats.</p>
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Tommy Lafreniere Oct 13 - PPG" width="1424" height="801" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/l-8pfa6Hajs?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Tommy Lafreniere Oct 13 - OT Winner" width="1424" height="801" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/f7DN9QRU8es?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<p>Now at four goals and five points, Lafrenière should start to see the puck go in more for him as he continues to create chances like these. The 2025 draft pick has also shown an excellent attention to detail in the defensive zone, and his low looping routes to support his teammates have resulted in many end-to-end style rushes. Lafrenière is able to take these low, swooping routes due to his speed and ability to play under his wingers.</p>
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Tommy Lafreniere Oct 11 - End to End" width="1424" height="801" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XTv_MOEoEDQ?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<p>Overall, it was a good weekend for the Oilers’ prospects, but the shining light was on Paul Fischer and the real, translatable offence he brings to the game now. I will be keeping a close eye on the Notre Dame defenceman, as he seems to be relied on in every role, and the offence only seems to get going when he is on the ice. That’s all for now, and we will be back next week with another CHL/NCAA update.</p>

<p data-start="0" data-end="339">It was a busy weekend for the NCAA and WHL prospects, as most teams are now in full swing and playing multiple games on the weekends. Not only was it a busy weekend, but it was a good weekend for the Oilers’ NCAA and CHL pipeline, as multiple players were finding their names on the scoresheets and putting together some tidy performances.</p>
<p data-start="0" data-end="339"></p>

<h2>Paul Fischer – Defenceman – Notre Dame University</h2>
The former <a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/edmonton-oilers-summer-2025-prospect-countdown-9-paul-fischer">St. Louis Blues selection</a> had himself an excellent weekend, even though Notre Dame lost both their games by scores of 5-3 and 7-2. In the two games played this weekend, Fischer ended up with a goal and an assist while registering six shots on net. In the first game of the weekend against Arizona State University, the Fighting Irish defenceman played over 24:00 minutes, but in game two against Quinnipiac, Fischer only played about 17:00 minutes due to taking a 10-minute unsportsmanlike misconduct. The American-born defenceman impressed me with his ability to create offence with and without the puck. Below are two clips of Fischer using his lateral movement to create offence, and he gets rewarded with a power-play goal, as you will see in the second of the two clips.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03-L3n0wze8[/embed]

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EiuyMSU_MZU[/embed]

I didn’t ever see this in Fischer’s game last year. The confidence and skill with the puck he possesses now has me very intrigued about his future as a prospect. The confidence also translated over to his ability to start, join, and lead transitions. Notre Dame looked disconnected offensively in both games, and Fischer was taking every opportunity possible to get involved offensively to help out the struggling Fighting Irish offence. Below is a clip of the six-foot-one defender starting the rush with a breakout pass, filling the centre lane, and being first on the forecheck.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kU03UVOH_uo[/embed]
<p data-start="1765" data-end="2346">It doesn’t matter who you are now in the NHL. Every player has to be able to pass the puck and provide some sort of help offensively. Whether it is by having a great first pass, having the ability to beat forecheckers with your feet, or constantly being active in the offensive zone, you have to help with the offence in some way. Below is a clip that shows a great example of helping create offence in a simple way, as Fischer makes a great breakout pass and follows it up, eventually becoming an option for his teammate. It leads to a chance on net by the former Blues selection.</p>
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTU6N0mDfVE[/embed]

Now that’s an example of a simple way to help out the offence. In the next and final clip, Paul Fischer shows that he can make plays under pressure, but what impressed me the most is how proactive he is. Every move seems to be calculated when he has the puck.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtXuDlQ9U9g[/embed]

Although Notre Dame lost both games this weekend, it wasn’t because of the play of Paul Fischer. The 2023 fifth-rounder was a bright spot this weekend and has shown a steady progression from last year. Keep an eye on Fischer this year; he has a very intriguing two-way package to work with.
<h2>The Michigan Wolverines</h2>
Aidan Park and Asher Barnett are still playing in bottom-of-the-lineup roles, but that is not due to their skill set. Michigan is a deep roster, and they showed it this weekend as they beat seventh-ranked Providence by a score of 5-1 on Friday and 3-1 on Saturday. Asher Barnett is a stalwart on the first penalty-killing unit that has only allowed one power-play goal in twelve tries to start the year. Aidan Park also has his special-teams role, as he is on the second power-play unit for the Wolverines. Park managed to get an assist in the first game against Providence; it’s not a pretty one, but good things happen when you take the puck to the middle of the ice.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V51iC9OMmqc[/embed]

The two Michigan men have settled in nicely to their new college roles, as both players are used to being top-of-the-lineup guys. Michigan has been good at spreading the time out for players; Barnett is slotted in on the third pair, but the fifth-rounder consistently plays 17:00 minutes a night. The same goes for Park, as he is pencilled in on the fourth line but plays about 15:00 minutes a night at the moment. Great start for the Wolverines, as they are riding a four-game winning streak and everything is clicking at the moment.
<h2>The WHLers</h2>
Would you look at that: <a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/edmonton-oilers-smart-bet-key-skill-david-lewandowski-draft-pick">David Lewandowski</a> and <a href="https://oilersnation.com/news/tommy-lafreniere-drafted-edmonton-oilers-connor-mcdavid-leon-draisaitl-i-cant-even-believe-my-name-is-in-a-sentence-with-those-two">Tommy Lafrenière</a> faced off against each other on October 11, with Lewandowski getting the better of the Blazers as he scored a goal off a beautiful deflection shown below.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zP0TEc9htvo[/embed]

Lewandowski is now tied for seventh in the WHL with 12 points in seven games. The German’s dual offensive ability continues to shine with his knack for making complicated passes, but he’s also been showing off his shooting ability more, too. Below is my favourite clip of Lewandowski’s from the weekend, because he makes the pass look so simple under pressure.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gp73-NdSk4[/embed]

A beautiful pass under the stick of the Blazers player turning around. Now, even though Tommy Lafrenière didn’t get on the board in Saskatoon, the third-rounder still showed well. Lafrenière is playing in every situation, and the minutes match that; not only are his minutes up, but his shot totals are as well. The Blazers centre is averaging an outstanding 4.6 shots per game; the chances are coming, and they are starting to fall, as Lafrenière scored two goals today (Oct. 13), including the overtime winner to beat the Regina Pats.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-8pfa6Hajs[/embed]

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7DN9QRU8es[/embed]

Now at four goals and five points, Lafrenière should start to see the puck go in more for him as he continues to create chances like these. The 2025 draft pick has also shown an excellent attention to detail in the defensive zone, and his low looping routes to support his teammates have resulted in many end-to-end style rushes. Lafrenière is able to take these low, swooping routes due to his speed and ability to play under his wingers.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTv_MOEoEDQ[/embed]

Overall, it was a good weekend for the Oilers’ prospects, but the shining light was on Paul Fischer and the real, translatable offence he brings to the game now. I will be keeping a close eye on the Notre Dame defenceman, as he seems to be relied on in every role, and the offence only seems to get going when he is on the ice. That’s all for now, and we will be back next week with another CHL/NCAA update.

Oilers Prospect Update: Strong weekend in NCAA for Fischer, WHLers Lafrenière and Lewandowski square off

‘Something needs to change’: Fans react as Oilers suffer worst home loss since Decade of Darkness

Oilers embarrass themselves but does anybody care that their season is swirling the bowl?

The Day After 16.0: Embarrassed Oilers can only hope loss to Avalanche is rock bottom

Oilers handed worst loss since 2009 in 9-1 walloping by Avalanche: Recap, Reaction and Highlights

Edmonton Oilers defenceman Mattias Ekholm

Recent articles from Spencer Pomoty

Breaking News