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Jokin-surance? Preds’ Fisher (Achilles) out 4-6 months

Chicago Blackhawks v Nashville Predators

NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 17: Mike Fisher #12 of the Nashville Predators plays against the Chicago Blackhawks at Bridgestone Arena on December 17, 2013 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)

Frederick Breedon

Just three days after inking veteran center Olli Jokinen, the Preds announced that another experienced middle man -- Mike Fisher -- ruptured his Achilles during an offseason training session and will be out for the next 4-6 months.

“Fisher sustained a ruptured Achilles tendon during a training session and underwent successful surgery on Thursday, July 3,” Preds GM David Poile said in a statement. “We expect Mike to make a full recovery in four-to-six months, and look forward to his return to the ice.”

Fisher, 34, has served as the Preds’ alternate captain since 2011 and had a solid campaign last season, scoring 20 goals and 49 points in 75 games. He averaged 19:45 TOI -- the second-highest total of his career -- while finishing second on the team in faceoffs, with 1146.

The loss of Fisher is profound as Nashville’s struggles to land a top-flight center this offseason were well documented. Jason Spezza refused to waive his no-trade clause to join the Preds, while a proposed deal for Vincent Lecavalier never came to fruition.

With Fisher out -- judging on the 4-6 month timeline, he could be gone through December -- the Preds are pretty thin down the middle: Jokinen, Matt Cullen, Paul Gaustad and Colin Wilson are essentially it for centers. Prized prospect Filip Forsberg could get a shot at playing there, as could Calle Jarnkrok, acquired by Detroit at last year’s deadline in exchange for David Legwand.