Nashville Predators: Grading the Predators offseason activity

Farewell Captain

On August 3rd, Predators captain Mike Fisher announced his retirement from the NHL after 18 seasons. Fisher played seven seasons for Nashville, and spent last season as the captain. His retirement not only leaves an offensive void on the 3rd or 4th line, but also a void at captain.

GM Poile and HC Laviolette announced this week that they are in no rush to name the next captain. Although training camp has already begun, and the season is less than a month away, the Predators have said that they know who their leaders are. Johansen said that “That’s just something coaches will announce I’m sure when they’re ready”.

The most likely candidates for the Predators 3rd captain in 3 years are defenseman Ryan Ellis and Roman Josi. Although Ellis will miss significant time this season due to recovery from surgery, Laviolette has not ruled him out of contention for the captain’s ‘C’.

Josi was seen leading the Predators last Sunday at the Tennessee Titans home opener. He drove the Titan sword into the field before the game, as a host of other Predators watched.