Fisher coming out of retirement as active player with Preds

Former Nashville Predators captain Mike Fisher is coming come out of retirement to be an active player, the team announced Wednesday.

There is no timetable for his return to the lineup, but he will officially sign a deal for the balance of the season prior to the Feb. 26 trade deadline after skating and working out on his own and then joining the team for official practices.

Mike Fisher confirms he's only coming back to play in this season, nothing more. #Preds

- Nashville Predators (@PredsNHL) January 31, 2018

Fisher retired after helping the Predators reach the Stanley Cup Final last year. He recorded 18 goals and 24 assists in 72 games last season but chipped in only four assists in 20 playoff games in the eventual loss to Pittsburgh.

He'll bring center depth to a team sorely lacking in that area, and despite joining the team at this late juncture, he can still get his name on the Cup if he appears in at least one final game, should Nashville be able to return and make good on their contender status.

That certainly appears to be the impetus for the decision:

Fisher: "I believe this year can be our year and that's what I want to be a part of and have some fun." #Preds

- Brooks Bratten (@brooksbratten) January 31, 2018

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