Nashville Predators: Mike Fisher’s decision is major dilemma

After 18 seasons in the NHL, and 7 with the Nashville Predators, Captain Mike Fisher’s time might be up.

Nashville Predators’ beloved captain Mike Fisher might be nearing the end of his illustrious career. The Canadian center spent the first 11 years of his career with the Ottawa Senators, before being acquired by Nashville in a trade in 2011. The trade was one that benefitted the Predators tremendously. Nashville gained a solid all-around center, and an invaluable leader.

Fisher was named captain of the Nashville Predators last season after the departure of long-time captain Shea Weber. He was an alternate captain for the previous four seasons as well. In his time in Predator gold, Fisher has tallied 109 goals and 128 assists, in 413 games played. While never a serious offensive threat, Fisher had his moments where he turned back the clock and showed his younger scoring prowess. However, at 37 years old, those moments are becoming fewer and fewer.

The Current Situation

On most NHL teams, Fisher’s usual 40 point seasons would be solid for a third/fourth line center. The only problem is, the new Nashville Predators are not your usual NHL team. With a host of young, developing talent, roster spots for under-performers are limited. Young prospects like Yakov Trenin, Frederick Gaudreau, Patrick Harper, and Tyler Moy competing for center positions in the near future. That is where the Mike Fisher dilemma comes into play.

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Fisher’s two-year $8.4 million deal expired after this season, currently making him an unrestricted free-agent. At 37-years old, it would be nearly impossible to see David Poile giving Fisher anywhere near that kind of money, should Fisher decide to return. If Fisher returns for a 19th season, he would most likely sign a 1-year deal worth $4 million or less. Anything more would simply be too much for a 37-year old center, who is past his prime. Poile would basically be forced to resign Fisher for at least another year, because parting ways with his beloved captain through free agency would be criminal.

Fisher is part of Nashville hockey. He has been a leader for many years now, and brings a veteran savvy to the young team. His wife is a Nashville legend, and to Predator fans, he is as much a legend. He has spent countless hours giving back to the city through charity work. His invaluable leadership drove the Predators to their first ever Stanley Cup series this past season.

Life After Fisher

However, hockey is a business, and sometimes, business outweighs popular opinion. Poile has already began to think about life without Mike Fisher, with multiple free agent signings and draft picks this off-season. Similarly, there have been much talk about who the next captain would be. The actual play of Fisher would not be that difficult to replace. The real challenge would be in replacing his veteran presence and leadership.

The Dilemma

The big question that is the centerpiece to all this talk, is whether or not Fisher returns. As of now, there is still no word from Fisher or David Poile. Last we heard, Fisher wanted to take his time to make his choice either way, and the Predators were not pushing for his decision.

In my opinion, Fisher most likely has only one more 30-40 point season left in the tank. His production has slowly been dropping since 2013, as it is only natural with age. If he is given another year by Poile, I wouldn’t count on more than 30 points. Believe me, I love Mike Fisher as much as the next Predators fan. I’ve been wearing his jersey for six years now, but I simply do not see it happening. I would love to see the captain come back, but at the same time, I don’t think it’s in the best interest of either party.

If Fisher is signed for another year, David Poile might be put in a very uncomfortable position. No GM will ever cut his captain, especially a veteran in his 19th season. But with all the young talent in the Predators farm system, Poile would be pressured to bring to pull some of those players up. Many of them are already NHL caliber players. Keeping that talent down for too long might hurt the Predators in the long run. However, if Fisher is the third or fourth line center, there won’t be room for that extra player, that might be able to help more than Fisher.

My Biggest Fear

My biggest fear for Fisher is that he comes back to Nashville for another season, but is driven out by younger players. I would hate to see Mike Fisher pushed into retirement, because he no longer has a spot on the Predators roster. No player who has spent as much time in the NHL, and been as successful as Fisher, should have to retire because he has been forced out. A player like Fisher should retire happily on his own terms. That’s all a good fan wants to see.

So what he never won a Stanley Cup? He led the Predators to their biggest success yet. Fisher moved the franchise into the spotlight, and made them a legitimate contender in their division. He made Nashville a hockey town. I personally don’t think a Stanley Cup would make him any more of a player, than he already is. He’s played over a thousand NHL games. Fisher did his part in my opinion. If he hung up the skates right now, Fisher would go out on top. While it might not be a popular opinion, I truly feel that he should retire.

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What Now?

All we can do is wait for Fisher’s decision. I would love to see the captain wear Predator gold for one more season, but also hope that it wouldn’t end up being a decision that he’ll regret. Fisher still has time to make his choice. Poile is patiently waiting for word from his captain, although he has already began to build around a potential hole. As much as it would hurt the Predators to lose their beloved captain, it might be inevitable after 18 NHL seasons. We are stuck playing the waiting game, until that decision is made though. As The Clash once famously said, “Should I stay, or should I go?”