On January 31, it was announced that former Nashville Predators captain Mike Fisher was intending to come out of retirement for one last shot at a Stanley Cup.
Today, it became official.
Fisher has signed a one-year deal worth $1 million (pro-rated out for the rest of the season, of course).
While he’s been practicing with the team for a while now, it’s no coincidence Fisher signed his contract when he did. Due to the NHL’s Trade Deadline, the 23-man roster limits were lifted at 12:01am this morning. Had he put pen to paper before yesterday’s trade of forward Pontus Aberg to the Edmonton Oilers, the Predators would have had to expose somebody to waivers in order to make room.
Speaking of the deadline, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Nashville makes some more roster news at some point today. It also wouldn’t be surprising to see them do nothing.
Time will tell where he fits into the lineup but logic suggests Fisher will slot in as the fourth line center with Colton Sissons and Austin Watson flanking him.
He is currently tied with Colin Wilson for 13th on the franchise’s all-time scoring list with 237 points, fifth with 109 goals and 16th with 128 assists.
When the Peterborough, Ontario native was acquired from the Ottawa Senators on February 10, 2011, Nashville was looking for a veteran leader who could not only produce but would have all the intangibles to help spark a deep playoff run. Not only did he lead them to their first opening-round playoff series win in franchise history that same year but he eventually captained them to the Stanley Cup Final in 2017.
The Predators are hoping he can do it one more time.
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GRAPHIC: Chas Kelly
