Nashville Predators: The Captain will take time to decide future

Jun 8, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Nashville Predators center Mike Fisher (12) looks on against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the first period in game five of the 2017 Stanley Cup Final at PPG PAINTS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 8, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Nashville Predators center Mike Fisher (12) looks on against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the first period in game five of the 2017 Stanley Cup Final at PPG PAINTS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Predators’ captain, Mike Fisher, will take time before deciding on his future. As the leader of the team, he has earned that right.

Finding the right person to be captain of a team is always a difficult choice. It must be a person that embodies all parts of what the team represents, on and off the field of play. Clearly, the Nashville Predators selected the right person for the position in 2016-17. And now, Mike Fisher is taking time to decide what is next for his future.

He has earned that right.

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The 37-year-old Fisher started his time with the Predators in 2011, after coming over from the Ottawa Senators. During that time he played in 413 games and earned 237 points, with a plus/minus of 6 overall. It was his attitude and play on the ice, and character off of it that made Fisher the “heart of the Nashville Predators” accord to head coach Peter Laviolette.

Take your time

It is clear that the fans adore Fisher. In seven years, the Predators made five playoffs with Fisher on the team. Each of the last three seasons found the team making it further than before. After the high of making it to the Stanley Cup Final – and the low of losing it in the manner it occurred – emotions are raw and hard to decipher. Taking time is what Fisher needs to do.

"Right now, I haven’t really gotten to that place. I want to separate myself from the game, and honestly, the biggest factor is prayer and figuring out what’s next and what God wants. So I’ll just try to figure that out, and that’s the biggest factor, really"

No matter how you look at it, age will be a factor. Can Fisher keep up physically with the demands of the game? Injuries are a concern, but he averages only 59 games player per season with the Predators. Yet, his presence on the team is considered the glue the brings the roster together.

That stated, Fisher’s career accomplishments are nothing to overlook, and as are those in his life. Married to country superstar, Carrie Underwood, and being of high character, Fisher will have many options available to him. Retire and enjoy time with his spouse touring? Working in the front office? Or coming back to make another run at the elusive Stanley Cup?

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Either way, Fisher wins. No matter what, the fans will love and respect Mike Fisher.