Predators expecting Fisher decision soon: report

The Nashville Predators hope to have an update on captain Mike Fisher's status for this season by next week, general manager David Poile told The Tennessean on Tuesday.
Fisher, 37, has played 17 seasons in the NHL; he was traded to the Predators by the Ottawa Senators on Feb. 10, 2011. He was undecided about his future after last season, when the Predators reached the Stanley Cup Final for the first time and lost to the Pittsburgh Penguins in six games.

"He is on vacation, and I have been away and [focused on preparing for arbitration hearings]," Poile said. "I'm hoping to talk to him later this week to see where he's at. I'd say by next week, we should have an update."
The Predators avoided arbitration with forward Viktor Arvidsson, who signed a seven-year contract on Saturday. They signed forward Austin Watson to a three-year contract on Monday and goalie Marek Mazanec to a one-year contract on Friday. Center Ryan Johansen remains a restricted free agent.
It is believed if Fisher decides to return, he will sign a one-year contract. The Predators are trying not to rush him but they're hoping for a decision soon.
"I think we're getting to that point," Poile said. "I'm pretty confident I'll be able to (provide) an update next week."
The veteran center is coming off a two-year contract with an average annual value of $4.4 million, according to CapFriendly.com. He was a second-round pick (No. 44) by the Ottawa Senators at the 1998 NHL Draft and has 585 points (276 goals, 309 assists) in 1,088 NHL games with the Senators and Predators.