Former Columbus Blue Jackets forward Christian Fischer has announced his retirement from professional hockey at the age of 28.

Fischer played nine seasons in the NHL and has now decided it's time to move on and enjoy life away from the game. In a conversation with Max Bultman of The Athletic, he opened up about the personal reasons behind his decision.

“Over the last couple years, I think I just look at my life and what makes me happy, and being around family and kind of my life in Scottsdale... some of my friends here are really close with me, and I have a pretty small group out here, and honestly it’s just more so a decision of moving on into another chapter of my life,” Fischer said in a phone call Thursday night. “I wish there was a big reasoning why, but in the end, I’m very thankful for the career I had, but just personally I think I know it’s time for a new chapter in my life.”

Fischer was originally drafted by the Arizona Coyotes in the 2015 NHL Draft. He went on to spend seven seasons with the Coyotes before signing with the Detroit Red Wings. After two years in Detroit, he was claimed off waivers by the Columbus Blue Jackets and only appeared in 1 game during the 2024–25 season.

Over the course of his career, Fischer suited up in 523 NHL games and recorded 62 goals, 75 assists, and 137 points.

He was set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer and reportedly had interest from several teams. But deep down, he felt that it was the right time to walk away. His decision wasn't driven by injury or circumstance, just a desire to embrace life beyond hockey and spend more time with family, and focus on happiness off the ice.

“Just very, very thankful,” Fischer said. “I think that’s the biggest thing is just thanking all the people that have been involved, all the way from media to trainers to coaches, players, family, friends, everybody. I’m so, so grateful to have experienced this with so many people. I guess that’s my biggest wish, is that I got to make a lot of people happy and smile, and when they got to see me skate on the ice, I hope I made them proud.”

A heartfelt message from a player who left everything on the ice. Congratulations on a great career, Christian Fischer.

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