It was either play for Nashville for one more season or call it quits, and Mike Fisher has decided on the latter. The free agent forward announced his retirement today, penning a letter to the fans of the Nashville Predators, thanking them for everything they’ve turned that city into over the past few years.
This is the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make, but I know I’ve made the right one. I’ve decided to retire from the NHL.
A thank you here isn’t enough to say goodbye with, but all those memories, like the moments in the locker room before Game 6, cherishing those is what I hope will keep me, this team and the city intertwined forever.
Fisher has spent parts of seven seasons with the Predators, captaining them all the way to the Stanley Cup final last year in what was a resurgent offensive season. On a team that lacked center depth throughout the year, Fisher recorded 18 goals and 42 points while playing the same hard-nosed defensive game he’s been known for his whole career.
Drafted in the second round by the Ottawa Senators in 1998, Fisher will end his career after 1,088 games and 585 points, the model third-line center. His steady presence and high effort level made him into a fan favorite in both Ottawa and Nashville, while his community involvement will keep him attached to both cities for a long time.
In Ottawa, Fisher was chair of Roger’s House, a children’s palliative care center—a role that was taken over by Chris Neil and his wife upon Fisher’s departure—while in Nashville he was involved in several charities like Room In The Inn, a homeless shelter and the Vanderbilt children’s hospital. In 2012 he was awarded the NHL Foundation Award for his charitable work, even releasing a children’s book of which all the profits were donated.
On the ice, he was a huge part of both franchises. Fisher will go down in the top-15 for both franchises in games played, while ranking sixth all-time in goals for the Senators and fourth for the Predators.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images
Best of luck to him. He had a decent career. I always thought he was an odd choice to wear the C and I don’t think he’s a leader, but he had a decent career. Too bad he could never win the Cup.
Always liked Mike Fisher. Congrats on going out on your own terms and an impressive career! Plus he’s married to Carrie Underwood so he’s pretty much won life
^^
his biggest accomplishment is marrying Carrie. Always loved Fisher.
Correct