Fisher bids farewell after 17 seasons

Nashville Predators forward Mike Fisher announced his retirement on Thursday, a move that means last season’s Stanley Cup finalists must select a new captain.

The 37-year-old Canadian, who is married to country music superstar Carrie Underwood, said in an open letter to Predators fans that “this is the hardest decision that I’ve ever had to make, but I know I’ve made the right one.”

Fisher had 276 goals and 309 assists in 1,088 regularseason games during an NHL career that lasted 17 seasons. He had 23 goals and 28 assists in 134 career playoff games.

He began his career with the Ottawa Senators before being traded to Nashville in 2011.