According to Adam Vingan of the Tennessean, the Nashville Predators will name Mike Fisher as their next captain.
The Predators will name Mike Fisher as their next captain. https://t.co/FOCAPup91B
— Adam Vingan (@AdamVingan) September 7, 2016
REPORT: Mike Fisher to Become Predators Captain
Fisher, 36, has spent the last five full seasons as a member of the Predators. Coming over from the Ottawa Senators in the 2010-11 season, Fisher has spent four years serving as the alternate captain. He takes over the duties that Shea Weber left behind, after being traded to the Montreal Canadiens for P.K. Subban.
Last season, Fisher hit the 1,000 game plateau, recording 13 goals and 23 points in 70 games. Adding five goals and two assists in 14 playoff games last year, Fisher’s veteran contributions were a factor in the Predators reaching game seven of the second round. The Peterborough-native has appeared in 341 games with the Predators, notching 91 goals and 104 assists.
Heading into next season, Fisher will be just one of four 30-year-old players on the roster. That list includes 36-year-old Mike Ribeiro, 33-year-old Pekka Rinne and soon-to-be 32-year-old Matt Carle.
With one year remaining on his two-year deal worth $8.8 million, it is expected that this could be Fisher’s coup de grace in the NHL. At 36, Fisher could serve as a transitional captain for the upcoming season, before passing the helm to one of the core players. Notables are defenseman Roman Josi and winger James Neal, both whom are expected to remain as alternate captains for this season.
Importance to the Franchise
Mike Fisher becomes the sixth captain of the team’s 19 year history. If this is indeed his final season, the next captain would be named for the milestone 20th season.
Back in late June, Shea Weber was asked who his replacement should be and according to Adam Vingan, the decision was an obvious one.
Shea Weber on June 29 when asked about his replacement as captain: "I think they know who it should be." https://t.co/FOCAPup91B
— Adam Vingan (@AdamVingan) September 7, 2016
Fisher became a fan favorite since his arrival in the Music City, back in 2010. While his contributions on the ice were clear as day, his off-ice charitable work didn’t go unnoticed. Even at 36, Fisher still has something left in the tank and with leadership to go along with it, he’ll serve as a fine captain for the Predators.
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