Cole Fraser

June 2019 – Fraser did not receive an entry level contract from the Red Wings which means he re-enters the draft.  Jokke Nevalainen

June 2018 – Fraser took a bit of a step backwards in his third season with the Peterborough Petes. The big, mean defenceman totaled 11 points and 70 PIM in 50 games. Fraser is the type of player that revels in playing in the corners, making the big hit and getting under his opponents skin. If he can develop his game while keeping that edge, he may have a shot at continuing his career at the next level. Fraser’s fantasy upside will be highest in multi-category cap leagues. Mark Hillier

September 2017 – The big and strong defender plays a physical style and isn’t afraid to drop the gloves when necessary. Under the radar, Fraser was ranked 197th by NHL Central Scouting for its final list. Last season, Fraser compiled six goals, 19 points and 82 PIMs in 61 regular season games and then 20 PIMs and zero points in 12 playoff games. He was used as a forward at times during the season, which he says helped his ability to read plays. Fraser will most certainly need time to develop and, like many of Detroit’s 2017 draft selections, can be considered a project. When asked about his strong physical play, Tyler Wright, the Red Wings director of amateur scouting had this to say, “We drafted him purely for that reason. We’re not expecting him to run a power play by any means but when he’s out there, people are going to be aware of him being on the ice. He’s going to make life miserable for the opponent’s skilled players…”

Fraser attended the Red Wings’ development camp in July and will play in the Traverse City prospects tournament Sept. 8 to 12. Fraser will be given plenty of time to refine the rest of his game before he is looked at as a legitimate candidate to make the NHL. Jameson Ewasiuk