Nashville Predators forward Mike Fisher has once again announced his retirement, according to team communications and content coordinator Brooks Bratten.
The 37-year-old retired after the team lost to the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Stanley Cup Final, but he came back to play the final 16 games of 2017-18. Nashville won the Presidents' Trophy for the first time in franchise history, but they were upset by the Winnipeg Jets in the second round of the playoffs.
Fisher had four points in the regular season, but was limited to one goal in 12 playoff games. He retires with 278 goals and 589 points in 1,104 NHL games - having also reached the Stanley Cup with the Ottawa Senators in 2007.
Fisher is married to country singer Carrie Underwood, who was frequently seen at Predators games during his tenure there. They have a son named Isaiah, and it remains to be seen what the future will hold for the Fisher family now that he's retired.
The Predators named defenceman Roman Josi as the new captain when Fisher retired last offseason, and he kept the 'C' even when the latter returned. Unfortunately, Fisher's solid career - renowned for strong two-way play and excellent leadership - didn't result in a Stanley Cup championship.
Given that he soon turns 38 and has declined in production, it's hard to envision Fisher opting to come out of retirement for a second time. It's certainly possible he stays on with the organization in a different role, having spent seven and a half seasons in the Music City.
Fisher and the Predators have been among the most successful NHL teams during the 2010s, but they keep falling short of a championship. Fisher certainly deserves a ring, and he may finally get it one day should he opt to join the organization in a different role.
