Must See: Preds’ Fisher opens up on his decision to retire

In case you missed it, Nashville Predators captain and 17 year NHL veteran Mike Fisher officially announced his retirement today. The 37-year-old forward walks away from the game as a two-time Stanley Cup Finalist and an accomplished two-way forward who produced 276 goals and 585 points in 1088 career games.

Before leaving public life for good though, Fisher took a moment to express his thoughts and emotions to the city he loves in this morning’s edition of The Tennessean newspaper. Check out some of the best moments from his heartfelt goodbye below.

On this spring’s Stanley Cup run:

The way the city was behind us was unbelievable, and that’s what makes the memory such a high - but also bittersweet. Can you imagine if we had a parade down Broadway?

It’s moments like that which I know I’ll miss. This job I’ve been able to have for a majority of my life is so much fun. To help create that entertainment and to see the joy we can bring to people is such a unique and exciting opportunity. I’ll miss my teammates, my coaches and the game itself.

This is the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make, but I know I’ve made the right one. I’ve decided to retire from the NHL.

On what’s next for the Preds:

Knowing we were so close to winning it all in June only makes it more difficult to leave it behind, but I do so with hope. Endings are always tough, but I believe when something ends, there are new beginnings, new opportunities and new things to be excited for, too.

I believe that this team, that this city, is going to win a championship, and I’m going to be the biggest fan. No one will be happier than I will be to see it happen, because, these fans, they deserve it.

On why he’s leaving the game:

I approached this season with the mindset that it could be my last, and now that it’s past, I’m looking forward to a future that includes a lot more time with my family. Things change when you have kids and you have a family. They’ve supported me without question, and now it’s my turn to return the favor.

And finally, his goodbye:

A thank you here isn’t enough to say goodbye with, but all those memories, like the moments in the locker room before Game 6, cherishing those is what I hope will keep me, this team and the city intertwined forever.

Thanks for all the memories, Mike! You’ll be missed in Nashville! For the full article from this morning's report, click the link below: