Center and former captain of the Nashville Predators, Mike Fisher has announced his retirement. The 37-year-old and 18 year NHL veteran started his career in Ottawa before moving to Nashville and becoming their captain prior to their 2017 Stanley Cup Final appearance.

In a first-person exclusive for the @Tennessean, Predators captain Mike Fisher announces his retirement. https://t.co/ye6IABUJav

— Adam Vingan (@AdamVingan) August 3, 2017

Mike Fisher Retires

Mike Fisher is a seasoned veteran with tons of experience and knowledge. After a strong regular season, there were offers for him to keep playing. However, Fisher has decided to take his leave from the NHL now.

Fisher possesses leadership skills that are invaluable and of great necessity in the NHL. For the second off-season in a row the Predators will have to replace their captain. Although not being known for scoring, Fisher flirted with twenty goals this past season and provided the team with depth scoring. Fisher’s ability stands out on the penalty kill where he has consistently shined throughout his career. His defensive talent is also noted as being exceptional.

Over the past six seasons, Fisher was able to post some of the best numbers of his career. He put up four seasons of 18+ goals over that time. He has also been able to produce multiple almost 50 point seasons over that six year span. His toughness, physicality, and high energy play will be tough for the Predators to replace.

Fisher’s first big contract came in 2003 with the Ottawa Senators where he signed a three year, $4.5 million deal. He then signed another one in Ottawa for five years and $21 million before signing two, two-year deals with the Predators for over $8 million each.

The Predators signed Nick Bonino earlier in the off-season. He will get the first crack at taking over Fisher’s role on the second line. They will also look to Calle Jarnkrok and Colton Sissons to provide depth down the middle.

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