Lukas Fischer Learns To Lead Through Tough Times In Sarnia

[TBone]

Blues prospect Lukas Fischer learns to lead through tough times in Sarnia

Matthew DeFranks
August 3, 2025

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Fischer was one of three Blues prospects who were their team’s captains last season. Quinton Burns captained Kingston in his last year in the OHL, and Jimmy Snuggerud was one of multiple captains named on the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Burns and Snuggerud have each turned pro.

“Playing on a smaller team with a bigger frame, he had to take care of the physical part, too,” Taylor said. “It was a good growth for him, and taking a leadership role with a lot of young players. They should be better this year, but it was a good year for him getting knocked down and picking up his teammates every game, I think it helps with his maturity.”

Fischer is listed at 6-foot-3 and 184 pounds and his 81 penalty minutes led Sarnia. When Sarnia’s season ended, Fischer joined AHL affiliate Springfield and played three games. Asked about his overall improvement last season, Fischer said, “I think I got a little bit calmer out there.”

https://www.stltoday.com/sports/profess ... b107f.html

[seattleblue]

One year ago I had Lukas Fischer 6th on our list of prospects which was outlier high (under Snuggy at 5 and over Bolduc at 7). The package of defensive traits is sweet if it develops and I have a clear confidence it is developing. My top teams of focus this upcoming year will be Blues, Springfield, Sarnia and Blahbloin-Bacardi Amethyst.

[Harry S Deals]

One year ago I had Lukas Fischer 6th on our list of prospects which was outlier high (under Snuggy at 5 and over Bolduc at 7). The package of defensive traits is sweet if it develops and I have a clear confidence it is developing. My top teams of focus this upcoming year will be Blues, Springfield, Sarnia and Blahbloin-Bacardi Amethyst.

Hes certainly in the mix right now its great to see these guys coming along on the D side. Tucker, Lindstein, Fischer. I had higher hopes for Leo Loof but im afraid he missed the train somewhat given the quality of other Blues D prospects

[zamadoo]

One year ago I had Lukas Fischer 6th on our list of prospects which was outlier high (under Snuggy at 5 and over Bolduc at 7). The package of defensive traits is sweet if it develops and I have a clear confidence it is developing. My top teams of focus this upcoming year will be Blues, Springfield, Sarnia and Blahbloin-Bacardi Amethyst.

Hes certainly in the mix right now its great to see these guys coming along on the D side. Tucker, Lindstein, Fischer. I had higher hopes for Leo Loof but im afraid he missed the train somewhat given the quality of other Blues D prospects

I liked Loof as well, but he seemed to stall dramatically to the point where everyone is writing him off. He was called up as a filler but didn't play. He's only 23 so I'm not giving up on him completely yet, as I had the same impression of Tucker when people were down on him as well (though not a perfect comp).

[Boomac]

One year ago I had Lukas Fischer 6th on our list of prospects which was outlier high (under Snuggy at 5 and over Bolduc at 7). The package of defensive traits is sweet if it develops and I have a clear confidence it is developing. My top teams of focus this upcoming year will be Blues, Springfield, Sarnia and Blahbloin-Bacardi Amethyst.

Hes certainly in the mix right now its great to see these guys coming along on the D side. Tucker, Lindstein, Fischer. I had higher hopes for Leo Loof but im afraid he missed the train somewhat given the quality of other Blues D prospects

I liked Loof as well, but he seemed to stall dramatically to the point where everyone is writing him off. He was called up as a filler but didn't play. He's only 23 so I'm not giving up on him completely yet, as I had the same impression of Tucker when people were down on him as well (though not a perfect comp).

Same here, I'm hoping he develops into at least a depth guy. He's going to need a Tyler Tucker type development season this year if he wants to get that chance, the pipeline is stocked behind him. IMO, it's a matter of time before Quinton Burns passes him on the depth chart.

[zamadoo]

One year ago I had Lukas Fischer 6th on our list of prospects which was outlier high (under Snuggy at 5 and over Bolduc at 7). The package of defensive traits is sweet if it develops and I have a clear confidence it is developing. My top teams of focus this upcoming year will be Blues, Springfield, Sarnia and Blahbloin-Bacardi Amethyst.

Hes certainly in the mix right now its great to see these guys coming along on the D side. Tucker, Lindstein, Fischer. I had higher hopes for Leo Loof but im afraid he missed the train somewhat given the quality of other Blues D prospects

I liked Loof as well, but he seemed to stall dramatically to the point where everyone is writing him off. He was called up as a filler but didn't play. He's only 23 so I'm not giving up on him completely yet, as I had the same impression of Tucker when people were down on him as well (though not a perfect comp).

Same here, I'm hoping he develops into at least a depth guy. He's going to need a Tyler Tucker type development season this year if he wants to get that chance, the pipeline is stocked behind him. IMO, it's a matter of time before Quinton Burns passes him on the depth chart.

I don't think it will be long at all before Burns passes him. If he doesn't improve markedly this season, Loof may not get another contract, and Burns will pass him this season. Burns is the real deal, IMO. Tucker should be watching out as well. I see Lindstein as the Fowler replacement. Jiricek replaces Faulk. Well, Mailloux is (now) the near-term Faulk replacement, and the two of them project to be top-4 RHD going forward, if everything works out.

[Sophisticated Shoes]

I have a feeling this will be a very good pick for the Blues in the future.

[seattleblue]

One of the things about Jiricek ... which is the one saving grace in the logic of that selection ... is that IF Jiricek gathers himself enough to be playable in the NHL, he almost has to have done so by putting together several of the raw traits he does possess. In order to go up levels, his stuff has to coalesce. IF the stuff that he has coalesces, then you have a real impact defenseman. It's just, so raw and inconsistent and getting set back. I will definitely also be watching Brantford this year.

[seattleblue]

"future better Mikkola" = Fischer's projection IMO

[somni]

One of the reasons I'm buying the AHLTV package this year is because both Burns and Fischer will be there. And because other promising picks will be playing there too.

Can't wait. It'll be non-stop hockey on TV next year at my place!

[SameOldBlues]

Those who are very familiar with Ralph & Fischer…

Can you compare and contrast the two against one another?

[Harry S Deals]

One of the things about Jiricek ... which is the one saving grace in the logic of that selection ... is that IF Jiricek gathers himself enough to be playable in the NHL, he almost has to have done so by putting together several of the raw traits he does possess. In order to go up levels, his stuff has to coalesce. IF the stuff that he has coalesces, then you have a real impact defenseman. It's just, so raw and inconsistent and getting set back. I will definitely also be watching Brantford this year.

The Brantford folks are pretty high on Jiricek I think we are going to see a big season from him

[SameOldBlues]

One of the reasons I'm buying the AHLTV package this year is because both Burns and Fischer will be there. And because other promising picks will be playing there too.

Can't wait. It'll be non-stop hockey on TV next year at my place!

You know how much the AHL charges offhand for a season’s subscription?

[STL fan in MN]

Having attended the WJSS here in Minnesota last week and seeing most of the d-men Team USA invited look like absolute garbage, I’m still shocked Fischer wasn’t invited. Then again, I’m also not surprised as USA Hockey will almost always select the kid that was the #6 on the NTDP 2 years ago over a kid that went the Canadian route and played in the OHL instead.

But having watched Fischer last season, I was pleased with his progress. Finished 5th in the OHL in goals from a d-man. Hopefully Sarnia is better this season and he can play some meaningful playoff games. Or at the least, maybe he gets traded to a contender at the deadline.

[STL fan in MN]

One of the reasons I'm buying the AHLTV package this year is because both Burns and Fischer will be there. And because other promising picks will be playing there too.

Can't wait. It'll be non-stop hockey on TV next year at my place!

Fischer will not be there. He’ll be back in OHL Sarnia.

[zamadoo]

"future better Mikkola" = Fischer's projection IMO

Would you say the same about Ralph, who is closer in size (or at least height)?