Former Nashville Predators captain Mike Fisher is hanging up the skates once again. The 37-year-old Peterborough, Ontario native started his 19-year career with the Ottawa Senators before coming to Nashville in the 2010-11 season. He was captain for the 2017 season.
#Preds locker-room cleanout summary:
They all admitted they need to be better.
Mike Fisher is going to retire for real this time.
Scott Hartnell will consider retirement. Would also consider coming back to the #Preds if asked.
Turris owned up to his playoff performance.
— Robby Stanley (@RStanleyNHL) May 12, 2018
He joked that “this cow has been milked as much as it can. It’s bone dry” when Nashville cleaned out its lockers following being eliminated by the Winnipeg Jets in the conference semifinals.
Mike Fisher Retires Again
Fisher retired at the end of last season but returned to give the Predators a veteran force in the locker room. He did get offers to keep playing at the end of 2016-17 but decided to retire.
The former 44th overall pick in the 1998 NHL draft came back after signing a one-year, $1 million deal on February 26th. He scored two goals and supplied two assists in 16 games this season. He also added eight penalty minutes. His Corsi this season was 41.1 and relative Corsi was -12.2. Fisher appeared in 12 playoff games and scored a goal.
He was a key part of Nashville’s Stanley Cup run last season. Fisher netted 18 goals and 24 assists for 42 points last season. Those totals were the most since 2013-14, where he recorded 49 points.
Fisher didn’t score a lot this season but was helpful in the lineup for the Predators. He was a reliable leader that brought plenty of experience and knowledge. He was injured in Game 6 against Winnipeg and did not suit up for Game 7. His presence in the lineup was missed that game.
What It Means For the Future
Fisher isn’t the only Predators’ player mulling retirement as Scott Hartnell is thinking about calling it a career. Hartnell is considering a return if Nashville asks him back.
The retirement of Fisher means that Eeli Tolvanen will likely get a full-time spot in the lineup. Fisher’s dream of hoisting the Stanley Cup may not come true, but he can call it a great career.
Main Photo: VANCOUVER, BC – JANUARY 17: Nashville Predators Center Mike Fisher (12) watches the play against the Vancouver Canucks during their NHL game at Rogers Arena on January 17, 2017 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Derek Cain/Icon Sportswire)
