A report from the Tennessean this morning announced that Mike Fisher has retired from the NHL.
Fisher, in an exclusive with Adam Vingan, cites “faith, family, and then hockey” as his personal priorities, leading him to conclude that it was time to hang up the skates. There is a full spread in today’s Tennessean with coverage on the story, including words from Mike Fisher himself:
We have full coverage of Mike Fisher’s retirement in today’s @Tennessean. He’s got solid writing chops. pic.twitter.com/ur3UEtvlQn
— Adam Vingan (@AdamVingan) August 3, 2017
Here’s a quick preview, where Fisher goes from talking about last year’s amazing run to his ultimate decision about next year:
The way the city was behind us was unbelievable, and that’s what makes the memory such a high – but also bittersweet. Can you imagine if we had a parade down Broadway?
It’s moments like that which I know I’ll miss. This job I’ve been able to have for a majority of my life is so much fun. To help create that entertainment and to see the joy we can bring to people is such a unique and exciting opportunity. I’ll miss my teammates, my coaches and the game itself.
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.
It makes a lot of sense for Fisher to retire at this point. Last year’s run was an incredible ride, concluding with the team’s first ever Western Conference Championship and the first ever Stanley Cup Final berth. Fisher battled injury along the way, including a reported concussion.
With Fisher’s off-ice life being pretty dang awesome there would be little to no reason to risk further injury in a long grueling season next year—especially when the team has spent considerable money this offseason shoring up their forward depth.
The next question is: who will be the Predators next captain? Roman Josi would make a lot of sense, as he is the only remaining member of leadership from last year. But it wouldn’t surprise anyone to see someone like Ryan Ellis or Ryan Johansen or… P.K. Subban?