Nashville Predators: The Predators Need Mike Fisher Back

Mike Fisher, who just turned 37, is another major uncertainty for the Nashville Predators this offseason at the rosters most unstable position.

In his first season of being captain of the Nashville Predators, all Mike Fisher did was provide perfect leadership. He added depth in scoring while showing defensive prowess against other teams scoring units. Plus, he was humble, wisely leading the Predators’ march to a Stanley Cup Final berth.

It is hard to imagine the Nashville Predators without Mike Fisher. Since the trade at the end of the 2010-2011 season with Ottawa, Fisher’s been a fan favorite. He keeps putting up solid numbers (109 goals, 128 assists). And, his country star wife, Carrie Underwood, brings a celebrity entertainment energy to Bridgestone Arena. 

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But now the Predators are in a crucial stage. The expansion draft is coming up and the Predators are more than likely to lose a very good player.  James Neal and Calle Jarnkrok are at the forefront of those discussions. With Neal gone the Predators lose another valuable leader and score. If Calle leaves the center position takes another major hit at the weakest part of the roster. Playing center and providing strong leadership is exactly what Fisher brings. If he retires on top of one of these expansion losses, it will be a major blow to the Predators.

Fisher still boasts strong numbers

Fisher brings a solid game numbers wise even at the old age of 37. The 2016-17 season was a bounce back from one of his worst campaigns as a professional in 2015-16. Fisher finished second out of Predators centers in points with 42 points. He led all Predators centers in goals with 18.

Producing seven goals and a career high 17 points on the power play, Fisher finds himself around the net for great scoring positions. His possession numbers are also still tilting the ice in Nashville’s favor with a 50.6 CF% and a 54.4% CF/60.

He is also valuable on the defensive end. This is where the Predators would see his role moving forward. He led the Predators in Defensive Zone Starts at 60% and finished with a 54.9% winning percentage on face offs. Reliable defensive zone center play is a must in today’s NHL and Fisher can play the role well.

Fisher still has value

The best example of a guy in his later years that has still been effective in a similar role is actually a player the Predators just played, Matt Cullen at age 40. Cullen has been the Penguins 4th line center for the past 2 seasons. He has thrived in the defensive zone while still maintaining offensive upside. Cullen recorded 31 points this season and won 51.2% of his face offs while starting 45% of the time in the defensive zone. His role is exactly what Peter Laviolette and David Poile should envision when selling Fisher on returning to the team.

The numbers suggest he still has plenty left to give and should come back for another shot at the Cup. In a 4th line center role, Fisher will not have to put up the big minutes that put a massive strain on the body. He can focus on the things he does well, face offs, good defensive play, and the grind goal on the power play. 

Next: James Neal may be open in Expansion Draft

His voice might be what the Nashville Predators need most. This is still a very young team. Coming off a tough, long playoff run it is easy for a team to pack it in and think you will just get back there with ease. A veteran like Fisher helps put things into perspective for the young guns and most importantly they all look up to him and respect him.