Nashville Predators: Fisher may not be ready until March

Excitement filled fans of the Nashville Predators when their beloved captain announced his triumphant return. Is there a chance he is not ready in time?

The announcement came as a shock to many, not a surprise to some. No matter which way you stand on that paradigm, your initial response to the news was high on the excited side. The beloved former captain of the Nashville Predators announced his intent to return and play hockey. It is a trade-deadline deal checking off several of the boxes on the Predators’ checklist.

Mike Fisher is a team player. A character guy. He leads by words and works. On the ice, he can take a hit and score. In the locker room, it is said he can rally the troops like no other. The addition of Fisher brings added depth to the forward lines and doesn’t cost the team a player or draft pick in a trade. Nor does he cost the team needed cap space.

March Madness

Confession: I enjoy listening to sports talk radio while at work or in my car. While much of the local options provide hot takes that are so out of reality, there are moments of interesting conversation. On Thursday morning, 102.5 The Game in Nashville had Predators’ associate coach Kevin McCarthy on during their morning show. It was a good interview but provided a moment of intrigue.

McCarthy was asked when we may see Fisher on the ice with the team. The coach talked about the process for Fisher, how the team is working on his conditioning. While he did say the hope was to get practicing with the team when they return from their current road trip. However, McCarthy also said, “My guess would probably be some point in March.” (Check around the 3:45 mark on the linked interview!)

(loud record scratch)

Wait?! What did he just say?! Did he really suggest Mike Fisher would not be ready until March?

Yes, Predators’ fans. He said March. And that is bad news.

The longer Fisher takes to get prepared, the later it will be for him to sign. If he is not signed by the trade deadline, he is not eligible for play during the playoffs.

Needless to say that in order to be eligible for the playoffs, a contract between Mike Fisher and the #Preds would need to be signed, sealed & submitted to the league prior to the 3:00pm Trade Deadline on Feb 26.
— CapFriendly (@CapFriendly) January 31, 2018

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In other words, if Mike Fisher does not make the roster prior to February 26 at 3:00pm Eastern time, he cannot be on the Predators’ active roster for the playoffs. Now, the team is allowed four emergency call-ups during the playoffs, but not being on the active roster is concerning.