Observations:

July 2014- As expected, Detroit didn’t extend a qualifying offer to Gleason Fournier. Fournier hasn’t been able to take advantage of his situation since being drafted by Detroit back in 2009 unable to even crack a spot among Grand Rapids top six in any of the past three season since turning pro. Therefore, a qualifying offer from the Wings seemed unlikely and it was confirmed prior to Free Agency, July 1st. Travis Watson

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May 2014- Fournier has had an up and down start to his professional career routinely bouncing around between Toledo of the ECHL and Grand Rapids of the AHL. His best season was actually his first in Toledo back in 2011-12 when he had two goals and 16 assists in 55 games played. He hasn’t been able to string together much since then with six points in 30 AHL games last season being his second most productive season. With restricted free agency on the horizon Fournier’s days may be numbered in Detroit with too many bodies ahead of him on the depth chart his NHL prospects are looking slim. Travis Watson

July 2013- Gleason Fournier was drafted by and played his junior hockey for his hometown team – Rimouski Oceanic. Fournier has always been recognized for his world class skating abilities but hasn’t been able to carry over his offensive capabilities that he possessed in Rimouski. Detroit took a gamble in the 3^rd round on Fournier thinking that with his skating ability the rest would come; unfortunately, we are still waiting for that to happen. With a new wave of talented young defensive prospects coming into the professional ranks this upcoming season Fournier could see himself on the outside looking in again and lacing it up for Toledo instead of Grand Rapids if he doesn’t make big strides this summer. Travis Watson

Fantasy Outlook: D+

Not enough growth shown from year one to two and at this point he won’t be helping the big league club now or  in the future as he is pushed down the depth chart with Sproul, Ouellet, Jensen, Backman and Marchenko on the way.

Footage:

Fournier unleashes the one-timer for the game winner (at around the 1:00 min mark)

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Gleason Fournier statistics courtesy of Elite Prospects