The Nashville Predators made it official Thursday, announcing Mike Fisher will serve as the seventh captain in franchise history.

Entering his 17th season, Fisher's been with the Predators for the last five-plus years. He assumes leadership duties that previously belonged to Shea Weber, who was traded to the Montreal Canadiens in late June.

Fisher's experience, coupled with the example he has set, made him the ideal candidate in the minds of Predators management.

"Mike Fisher is a terrific choice to be named captain of this team," head coach Peter Laviolette said. He added, "He's a guy that's been through the battles, has been around a long time, gained a lot of experience, and has learned from a lot of people. ...

"Fisher's probably one of the best pros I have ever seen. He comes into camp in shape. He works as hard as any guy on the ice, if not harder, every day. He plays with passion and purpose. For young players who rub shoulders with that on a regular basis, and to be able to watch him and learn from him, those experiences will help grow our team."

With 13 goals and 23 points, Fisher is coming off one of the worst statistical seasons of his career, but Laviolette still relied on him heavily. He finished with the fifth-most ice time among Predators forwards, and took 451 more draws than any of his teammates.

The 36-year-old is scheduled to reach free agency next summer, and, barring an extension, would have an opportunity to seek employment elsewhere. But it doesn't appear either side envisions this arrangement will last just one year.

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