Senators for Sale: Mike Fisher
Contract Status
Cap hit of $4.2M through 2012-13. Actual salary of $4M in 2011-12, $3M in 2012-13. Limited No-Trade Clause (can submit list of 10 teams he will not accept a trade to, invalid until 2011-12).
Pros
Can be an excellent two-way centre who can routinely put up around 45 points a season. Clutch in overtime, scoring 5 of the 8 team's overtime goals in the last two and a half seasons. Fisher is second on the team in hits with 90 in 54 games. Is capable of running the second powerplay unit.
Cons
Like most Senators, Fisher is having one of the worst seasons of his career. After putting up 53 points in 79 games last season, he's on pace for 36 points in 2010-11. This is the first season since the lockout that Fisher is below 50% in faceoffs (he was 2-8 against Vancouver as well). Has shown an inability to play wing when needed, and has had chemistry issues with linemates more than other players.
Trade Value
Medium-to-high. Fisher arguably has the highest trade value of any Senator, but his inconsistency may ward off potential suitors. His contract is both a positive and a negative: he isn't merely a rental, but it may be too rich for some teams' blood. Still, he's going to look more attractive than a disinterested Alexei Kovalev or a shadow of a player like
.
Trade Likelihood
Moderate. Nashville is often mentioned as the best fit for Fisher given his marital situation, but the position the Predators have an abundance of prospects in is defencemen, which is the position the Senators need the least. He's likely attractive to teams with low payrolls who are struggling to reach the cap floor without overspending, since his salary for the next two seasons is lower than his cap hit. How many of those teams he'd accept a trade to is another matter EDIT: Fisher waived his No-Trade Clause until after the Stanley Cup Finals, meaning he can be traded to any team - even the Islanders.
Realistic Return
If he's traded - which he won't be - don't expect a lot going back. If the only realistic suitor is Nashville, then the Predators will be negotiating from a position of strength. Ideally one would hope for a high draft pick (possibly first round) or a good prospect, but don't be surprised if it's a middle of the road prospect and a low pick in return.
