Mike Fisher has enjoyed his retirement for a little less than six months but then the Nashville Predators called, and the 37-year old responded. Fisher decided to come out of retirement on Wednesday and sign again with the team who he captained to the Stanley Cup Final appearance in the last season. Fisher will sign a professional contract with the team before the February 26 trade deadline and has already started practicing with the Predators.
“It always kind of bugged me when guys came out of retirement. I didn’t really think it was a possibility,” – he said. “I just thought about the opportunity. How good this team is. About the run last year, and what could be. I got a blessing from family and my wife.“
Fisher added that his wife, Grammy Award-winning singer Carrie Underwood, influenced his decision to put the skates back on. Underwood even went on her Twitter profile to express support for her husband’s decision.
This is happening! Fish is back! So proud of you, baby! We want the cup!!! https://t.co/ohP7zPtT1s
— Carrie Underwood (@carrieunderwood) January 31, 2018
Nashville Predators are currently sitting on the second place of Central division, coming off a 1-2 defeat against the Chicago Blackhawks. With Fisher on board, the team will have their already strong group of centers, even more, bolstered, and will add a strong veteran leadership in the locker room.
“[We’re] getting a terrific person back in our locker room, and a terrific player,” – said Predators’ coach Peter Laviolette about Fisher’s return.
Mike Fisher contributed to 18 goals and 24 assists in 72 games for Predators in the last season and had four assists in 20 playoff games. Fisher said that team’s potential for another Stanley Cup run played a major factor in his return.
“I believe this team is built to win and has a very good chance. So that’s part of the reason I want to come back,” – said Fisher. “But we didn’t win last year, and that was the best part of my career.“
