The past week has been kind to Columbus Blue Jackets forward Trey Fix-Wolansky.
The 22-year old winger was called up from AHL Cleveland due to a rash of injuries. After putting up 9-8-17 in 22 games with the Monsters this season, it was time to see how his game would translate at the NHL level.
And while it's too early to be overly declarative (for better or for worse), he's certainly looked the part, playing on the 4th line almost exclusively with fellow call-up Brendan Gaunce and Jack Roslovic (It should be noted that, while Gaunce has looked serviceable as well, at 27 and with 121 games played at the NHL level, he's a known commodity and is unlikely part of the club's future plans in the NHL).
As for Fix-Wolansky, the former 7th round pick (204th overall in 2018) has tallied 1-1-2 in three games, playing a sound two-way game and using his high motor to become available in the neutral and offensive zones. At 5'7", 186, comparisons to another (shall we say, vertically challenged) player, Cam Atkinson, are being made, but I'd issue some caution. While Fix-Wolansky was a scorer in his WHL days with the Edmonton Oil Kings, he's unlikely to ever be a 30 goal guy in the NHL. Instead, Fix-Wolansky uses his sturdier frame to play a more comfortable game on the walls and in traffic. If there is one comparison that holds, though, it's that both are high-energy players that can be effective even when they're not getting on the scoresheet. That, combined with his goal-scoring and playmaking acumen, gives him a shot to make it in the big leagues.
The Athletic's Scott Wheeler, who ranked Fix-Wolansky 15th among Blue Jackets prospects in his recent post, agrees that his motor could give him a chance:
I love watching Fix-Wolansky play. He bounces around the ice, working for every inch, keeping himself involved and making little plays. Though he’s not explosive (which is a bit of a problem since he’s 5-foot-7), he’s quick and that helps him stop and start, change directions, and slash in and out of space to get into pockets as an option for his linemates. His effort level is certainly always noticeable and he’s really heavy for his size, which helps him play his style. But he’s also got slick hands around the net, good playmaking instincts, and a decent overall skill level. I’m pulling for him to find a niche as an energy guy who can make some plays. He has looked good enough in the AHL this year to warrant his first NHL look and because of his style, he’s not the top-six or bust guy that many small wingers are.
Wolansky's first career goal comes off the "slash" type of play that Wheeler mentions. In the play, he's the third player on the Blue Jackets in the offensive zone. After Max Domi moves the puck laterally to Roslovic, he darts into the just vacated part of the ice, almost using Roslovic as a screen like you'd see in basketball. He shoots it through the legs of Matt Niskanen and goaltender Phoenix Copley is late to pick up the release.
GRAB THAT PUCK!
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) February 9, 2022
Trey Fix-Wolansky scores in his @NHL debut! pic.twitter.com/LEveinr6z3
In a season where a team is looking to the future, getting Fix-Wolansky meaningful minutes is optimum. It's almost inconsequential whether or not he ultimately makes it at the NHL level. The goal is to give these prospects an opportunity to showcase for themselves. And for the Blue Jackets, the opposite side of the same coin is there's basically no downside to playing the 'kids' in these games. Worst case scenario is the moment becomes to big for the player, and they aren't part of future plans. But at least they can discern that. Best case scenario, of course, is that the player shows well for himself, and has an opportunity to play a role with the big club going forward.
So far, Fix-Wolansky has shown he belongs, and it will be worth monitoring whether or not that changes in the coming days.
