Fans startled by trade of Sens' Fisher

Ottawa Senator Mike Fisher's jersey, No. 12, was on the discount racks at the Rideau Centre yesterday, just hours after it was announced the hockey player had been traded to the Nashville Predators.

Ottawa Senators fans were quick to react to the news he had been traded to the Nashville Predators in exchange for a first-round draft pick in 2011, and a conditional pick in 2012.

Fisher already has a home in Tennessee with his wife, country music star Carrie Underwood.

"I'm a little worried about it. I like Fisher. He's a good guy, and he's playing really well right now. But they're not doing the greatest, so they kinda need to do what they gotta do. But they got a first rounder out of it," said Brock Boyd.

"That's the beginning of the [team's] rebuilding process," said Robert MacDonald.

"I think it's outrageous, to be honest. He's such a big influence on the Senators organization and the whole team, I'm sure the city's dearly gonna miss him," said Yodit Haile.

Loss of star power

Some fans were more worried about losing star power than hockey power.

"People like, know Ottawa better. They're not like, 'Oh yeah, Ottawa.' They're like, 'Oh Carrie Underwood's married to that guy. That's in Ottawa,'" said Mandie Gagner.

"Like any famous Canadian, they'll likely end up in the U.S. at some point, whether it's through marriage or not," said Dan Pasqua.

Others in Ottawa will miss Fisher's work in the community, raising the spirits of needy and sick children, and running a not-for-profit hockey camp that raised money for the Make a Wish Foundation, CHEO and Roger's House.

'One of the good guys'

"He's also been someone that has supported CHEO and Roger's House both financially and with his time. He spent a lot of time with the kids at the hospital, so he will be missed there's no doubt," said Fred Bartlett, CEO of the CHEO Foundation.

"Mike has been one of the good guys. He's given a lot back to the community, including CHEO, and he's helped raise funds over there. He's been very visible in the community, and I can only wish him the very best." said Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson.

In Nashville, the Predators are capitalizing on the buzz around the trade.

In honour of their new No. 12's first home game, on Saturday, Feb. 12, they're selling $12 tickets.