Dec 19, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Nashville Predators center Mike Fisher (12) during the second period against the Philadelphia Flyers at Wells Fargo Center. The Predators defeated the Flyers, 2-1 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

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Mike Fisher’s time with the Nashville Predators could very well be over after a historic run to the Stanley Cup Final. He’s eyeing retirement.

Now that we’ve had time to process the Nashville Predators truly historic season, the team is now starting to deal with all of the challenges of remaining a Stanley Cup contender for next year.

Perhaps the biggest concern facing the team less than a week after losing to the Pittsburgh Penguins is the thoughts of retirement by their current captain, Mike Fisher. It’s looking highly probable that Fisher will decide to hang up the skates for good this offseason, per Adam Vingan of the Tennessean.

“At the end of the day, this is a game. It’s an important part of my life, but it’s not everything.”

Based on that, I don’t see Fisher returning for a 18th NHL season. He gives so much to the Nashville Predators organization, but he may have nothing left in the tank. Nearly two decades of NHL service is a lot of mileage.

A tweet from Brooks Bratten, Communications and Content Coordinator for the Predators, also suggests that Fisher’s illustrious career may be over:

Mike Fisher says he’ll take some time for prayer this summer and figure out what’s next in his career. #Preds — Brooks Bratten (@brooksbratten) June 13, 2017

In a sport where leadership is critical, losing Fisher would be a tough blow to an otherwise youthful squad. Even though his playoff numbers were lacking, you can’t discount what Fisher brought to this year’s playoff run. He has the intangibles that are often overlooked.

Fisher has 109 career goals in a Nashville Predators uniform, good for fourth on the team’s all-time list. He’s been one of the steadiest contributors in franchise history and has always been a fan-favorite.

Filling the Fisher Void

Hope isn’t lost from a Fisher retirement. The Predators have the luxury of a couple talented, young centers that could replace Fisher. Colton Sissons immediately jumps to mind.

Sissons really took charge in the postseason, including a hat trick in the Western Conference Finals to eliminate the Anaheim Ducks. Look for him to be a big part of next season’s team and fill the Fisher void. It doesn’t stop with Sissons.

Due to the injury of another center, Ryan Johansen, the Predators discovered Frederick Gaudreau. Coach Peter Laviolette called Gaudreau’s number during the Stanley Cup Final, and his three goals helped. For the record, Gaudreau became only the second player in NHL history to record his first three career goals in a Stanley Cup Final. Yet another youngster that has a bright future for the Predators.

Both Sissons and Gaudreau’s success on such a big stage should ease the pain a bit if indeed Fisher decides to retire. Additionally, you have Johansen’s veteran leadership returning, and Calle Jarnkrok to round out the unit.

Of course, we have to wait and see how the NHL expansion draft affects all of this.

Losing Fisher, a great captain and class act, will be tough. It still is refreshing to know that Nashville has built a deep enough roster to offset the possible loss of their captain.