Hockey Thoughts: Gone Fishing

Nashville acquired Mike Fisher from the Ottawa Senators on Thursday in a pre-deadline deal that actually seemed to make a little sense for a change.  He's not a "rental player," and even though I'm a little uncomfortable with what his contract dictates he get paid, I was happy to see the Preds pick up a player with long-term potential.  As someone pointed out to me, rental players are par for the NHL course at this point in the season, but it's not Nashville's M.O. and Nashville doesn't operate like the majority of teams in the league, so rental players aren't necessarily something the Preds need to be shopping for at the deadline.  I like seeing trades that work with our "system" and this fits the bill.


Do I think Fisher is a great player?  No.  Is he a good player?  Yes.  I've gone on record saying that I didn't want him, but I do recognize that he was probably one of the best players available this season.  The main reason I didn't want him was because I wasn't sold that Nashville even needed to make a move at the deadline.  Beyond that, I know that the fact he is "Mr. Carrie Underwood" is a distraction and sideshow particularly here in Nashville.  It is a little too cute and cliche for my liking but from a hockey perspective it's still a good deal. 


I have hopes that this trade will pan out more like the Sullivan deal several years ago, where we got a strong player who fit well with the team and provides a much-needed boost in fan interest (even if the reason for the interest in Fisher annoys the shit out of me).  Adding to my pleasure is the fact that Nashville gave up a first round draft pick to get him.  Drafting is a crucial part of building a team, and continuing to operate a team on a shoestring budget, but I'm hoping that the Preds are growing out of that position and that this marks a shift from relying solely on drafting players and grooming them well.  Particularly since we've let some of our good draft picks that we've groomed go under less than advantageous circumstances. 

Despite the fact Fisher had not practiced with the whole team before Saturday's game, he fit in well with his line mates.  He produced a good screen on Nashville's first goal of the night (coming 11 seconds after Colorado's first), which was essential to maintain momentum and notched an official assist on the last goal of the night (which was the GWG).  So, welcome to Smashville Mike Fisher, we're glad to have you!

Hopefully his personal connection to Nashville will ease his transition to the team.  He won't have to worry about finding a house and one of the most stressful elements of his off-ice life--living in a different city than his new bride--has been remedied.  Fisher has played all eleven years of his career in Ottawa, so it's nice that this trade isn't too painful for him personally.  I'd like to see this pay off on the ice, as well.  As it turns out, Mr. and Mrs. Fisher live in The Governor's Club in Brentwood, which is about three miles from my neighborhood.  It would be pretty cool to see him at the grocery store some time.  But somehow I have a feeling they don't do their own shopping.  Celebrities still run out of milk late at night, though, don't they?  ;)

As an added bonus, Canadians have their panties in a wad over the deal.  Some Ottawa fans are happy for him and I commend them for their good sportsmanship.  But apparently since Gretsky married and American then was traded to Los Angeles, Canadians are sensitive to their star players marrying an American celebrity and getting traded to an American team.  Some of the testier Canadians are upset and blaming Carrie Underwood, and it's been reported that the country radio station in Ottawa has banned all Carrie Underwood songs from the air.  Given their general disdain for Nashville as a hockey market I can't help but be a little tickled at this news.  Sorry fellas, sometimes life sucks, eh?