Predators' Fisher signs 2-year deal to stay in Nashville

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Nashville Predators center Mike Fisher signed a two-year, $8.8 million contract Friday.

The contract will pay Fisher $4.8 million in 2015-16 and $4 million in 2016-17.

''It's a great organization, a great team, good guys,'' Fisher said. ''There's no better situation for me. I'm grateful for that.''

The 35-year-old Fisher had 19 goals and 20 assists in 59 games last season after returning from a ruptured Achilles that kept him out for the Predators' first 21 games.

He has 78 goals and 94 assists in 271 games with Nashville since the Predators acquired him from the Ottawa Senators in February 2011.

''Ever since the first day we got Mike from Ottawa, he's been everything we hoped he would be,'' Predators general manager David Poile said.

Fisher has 245 goals and 275 assists in a 15-year career spent entirely with Ottawa and Nashville. Fisher has scored at least 20 goals in a season six times.

He talked Friday about how Nashville felt like home and how he wants to raise his family here. Fisher and his wife, country music star Carrie Underwood, had their first baby this year.

''Anyone that's ever played here loves it,'' Fisher said. ''You never hear anything bad about this organization, this city, the team.''

Fisher has been a full-time alternate captain for the Predators the last three seasons.

''He plays to win every night,'' Poile said. ''He's a leader in our locker room. He's a great role model both on and off the ice for all of our players. He and his wife are great in the community of Nashville. I think this is a step toward probably having him finish his career in Nashville.''