Nashville Acquires Mike Fisher

To Nashville:

Mike Fisher 

To Ottawa:

2011 1st Round Pick (Nashville)

Conditional 2012 Pick (Nashville)

Review:

The past few days have been FULL of trades and one of the biggest deals thus far took place this afternoon between the Senators and the Predators. The Preds get exactly what they were targeting heading into the deadline as they made it clear they felt it was a necessity to get someone to solidify their top 6 forward group. Mike Fisher fits the bill as a top 6 forward that makes players around him better. He is extremely versatile and is strong on both sides of the puck. Last season was a banner year for Mike as he put up a career high in goals, assists, and obviously points with 25 goals and 28 assists for 53 points in 79 games. So far this year his production has not been as impressive but has been respectable with 24 points in 55 games. Something to consider from a Nashville perspective as well is, Fisher's wife Carrie Underwood lives in Nashville so the situation is ideal for him which could lead to better all around play. Another positive resulting from this move off the ice is the fact that now Nashville becomes a team that will get some attention from the national media. Underwood will be a common spectator at the Bridgestone Arena, and the increased attention will lead to better attendance. Nashville comes out of the deal in a great situation but they paid a big price. The Senators received a great package of draft picks, including Nashville's 2011 1st Round Draft Pick and a and a conditional pick in the 2012 Draft. The conditional pick is Nashville's Third Round Pick if the Predators win one round in the 2011 Stanley Cup Playoffs, and turns into a Second Round Pick in 2012 if the Preds wins two or more rounds. Nashville's first this year is a great addition to a re-building club in the Senators as having two first round picks creates a terrific situation for the Sens if they have a player they would like to move up for or to just draft two young studs. As of right now, the Preds 1st would be the 21st pick overall. Now of coarse there is a lot of hockey to be played and the lottery will take place in the spring but it looks to be a middle of the road 1st round pick. Which is an incredible return on a player that has only hit 50 points once in his career, not to mention they also get a high draft pick in 2012. Along with the picks, the Sens also were able to clear out some salary in this deal as they were able to rid themselves of Fisher's big $4.2 million cap hit. 

Winner Short-term : Definitely the Predators as they get a guy that fits exactly what they're team lacked and is the type of player every successful team needs.

Winner Long-term: The Senators will come out very strongly from this deal in a few years as they were able to acquire some very valuable picks that will be important to them in this re-building year. Now all they have to do is make sure they use them well and draft some good, talented prospects.