Vernon Fiddler returns to Predators forever grateful
During the early, playoff-less days of the Predators franchise, general manager David Poile would organize scouting missions, tasking his staff with uncovering players who could reinforce the team's organizational depth.
They found Vernon Fiddler in Norfolk, Va., in 2002, the scrappy forward making an impression during his first season with the Blackhawks' American Hockey League affiliate. Fiddler, then 21, fit the Predators' lunchpail mentality, and they signed him that May.
“He worked so hard," said Predators radio analyst Brent Peterson, who was a Predators assistant coach at the time. "He wanted to be a player. He did everything he could."
That tough-minded work ethic eventually landed Fiddler in the NHL, where he played the first 305 games of his 859-game career, second-most among active undrafted players, with the Predators.
It's also what convinced Nashville to reacquire him last week in a trade with New Jersey, needing his veteran savvy for the push toward the postseason.
“These guys gave me my opportunity to get my foot in the door," said Fiddler, 36. "I forever was grateful for them, no matter whatever happened."
The Devils signed Fiddler to a one-year contract last July after he played the previous five seasons with the Stars, but New Jersey eventually decided to move in a more youthful direction.
Devils GM Ray Shero, who had a hand in Fiddler's discovery as the Predators' original assistant general manager, approached his oldest player regarding a possible return to his first team.
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"I didn’t even have to call home because I knew my wife wouldn’t say anything but yes," said Fiddler, who had never been traded before last week. "I feel as though it's a fresh start. Even though I'm 36 years old, I just feel like a bunch of weight's been lifted off my shoulders. ... Things just didn't work out there."
Maybe the timing of the trade could've been better, Fiddler joked, sharing that he had sold his house in the area last summer. His No. 38, the only number he had worn in the NHL, had been claimed by Predators forward Viktor Arvidsson, so he let his two children, son Blake and daughter Bella, choose his new one, flipping the digits to No. 83.
Fiddler's role won't change, though. A defensive-minded center then and now, he'll continue to do the dirty work that often goes unnoticed.
"Certainly those role situations and those role-type players that can bring something that maybe you don't see on the scoresheet as much, down the stretch and into the playoffs, those are the guys that can make a difference," Predators coach Peter Laviolette said.
As soon as Fiddler arrived in Nashville last weekend, familiarity rushed back, from remembering the route to Bridgestone Arena to reconnecting with old friends. Fiddler, however, can't rest too much on his previous experience, with the Predators having significantly changed since he left nearly eight years ago.
"This is where my first child was born and I spent six years of my career here," Fiddler said. "There is a comfort level there, but I'm still not exactly where I want to be comfort-wise. But that's something I've got to earn with my teammates and get that respect."
Centennial celebration: During the Predators’ back-to-back games this weekend, the NHL’s roving Centennial Fan Arena will be outside Bridgestone Arena. Attractions include a museum truck showcasing league and Predators history. The exhibit is open from 11 a.m.–5 p.m. on Saturday and 1-8 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free.
Reach Adam Vingan at avingan@tennessean.com and on Twitter @AdamVingan.
VERNON FIDDLER FILE
Career NHL games: 859
Games with Predators: 307 (305 from 2002-09)
Career points with Predators: 93 (45 goals, 48 assists)
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When: 1 p.m. Saturday
TV/radio: Fox TN/102.5-FM