Adam Fox was drafted 66th overall by the Calgary Flames in the 2016 NHL Draft. Concerns around Fox’s size, his offensive numbers being boosted by having good teammates with the USNTDP, and a “lack” of defensive play as an offensive-minded defenseman all were in question in regards to how he would translate to the next level. Instead, the adjustment to the collegiate level was quite smooth for Fox. He finished his freshman season at Harvard with 40 points (6G, 34A) in just 35 games, topping all defensemen on his team in scoring and ranking 4th in scoring on his team as well.
Rumors started to swirl around Fox potentially not signing with the Flames early on in his time with Harvard when he began to produce. Fox determined not to sign with the Flames and ended up being shipped to Carolina in the massive Dougie Hamilton trade that took place on the 2018 NHL Draft floor.
There was no risk involved for Carolina by acquiring Fox as he could sign and be a part of the stacked blueline they had, or they could ship him away to another team and get some future assets in return. After his dominant junior season with Harvard in 2018–19 where he was in contention to win the Hobey Baker Award alongside Cale Makar (COL), the latter ended up happening.
On April 30th, 2019, the New York Rangers acquired Adam Fox from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for two 2019 2nd-round picks (one of which was a conditional 3rd at the time). This gave Fox the opportunity to play for the team he grew up rooting for in his hometown back in Jericho, New York, and he has been fantastic in the Big Apple.
Fox finished his rookie season in the NHL with 42 points (8G, 34A) in 70 games and lived up to the hype surrounding him after he was traded to New York. There was a bit of an adjustment period for Fox as the pace of the NHL certainly caught up to him naturally, but it was his hockey sense and poised play with the puck that allowed him to adjust fairly quickly to the league.
Adam Fox is one of the most dynamic young defensemen in the NHL. Spencer Loane breaks down his game to find out why he's thriving . . . SEE MORE OF THE COACHES SITE Join The Coaches Site to access the latest drills, tactics & leadership lessons from hockey's top coaches. Already a member? Login
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